Difference between revisions of "ZPM"
(New page: Short for Zero Point Matrix, although most people who use one don't know the expansion. The precise details of this device's operation are restricted to members of the [[Theocratic Scienc...) |
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Short for Zero Point Matrix, although most people who use one don't know the expansion. | Short for Zero Point Matrix, although most people who use one don't know the expansion. | ||
| − | The precise details of this device's operation are restricted to members of the [[Theocratic Science Service]], which invented them. Several groups, including the notorious [[Science | + | The precise details of this device's operation are restricted to members of the [[Theocratic Science Service]], which invented them. Several groups, including the notorious [[Science Pirate]]s known as [[Fermat's Crew]], have made attempts to reverse-engineer the technology. However, this has proved difficult as no way has been found to disable the energy transfer field without vapourising the mechanism. |
The matrix is believed to be a simple circuit, mounted on a tetrahedral polymer frame. The whole device is usually 3-4cm wide, and appears as a black sphere (or occasionally an elipsoid) whose only features are the 4 vertices of the tetrahedron, where the plastic frame protrudes slightly. The sphere is some kind of field effect generated by the mechanism inside; it entirely absorbs electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, and any solid matter passing through the field is apparently converted into a mix of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen radicals before passing out the other side. It is unknown whether this behaviour is an unavoidable side-effect of the field, or whether it simply benefits the Service by preventing 3rd party examination of the mechanism. | The matrix is believed to be a simple circuit, mounted on a tetrahedral polymer frame. The whole device is usually 3-4cm wide, and appears as a black sphere (or occasionally an elipsoid) whose only features are the 4 vertices of the tetrahedron, where the plastic frame protrudes slightly. The sphere is some kind of field effect generated by the mechanism inside; it entirely absorbs electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, and any solid matter passing through the field is apparently converted into a mix of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen radicals before passing out the other side. It is unknown whether this behaviour is an unavoidable side-effect of the field, or whether it simply benefits the Service by preventing 3rd party examination of the mechanism. | ||
Latest revision as of 02:58, 27 April 2008
Short for Zero Point Matrix, although most people who use one don't know the expansion.
The precise details of this device's operation are restricted to members of the Theocratic Science Service, which invented them. Several groups, including the notorious Science Pirates known as Fermat's Crew, have made attempts to reverse-engineer the technology. However, this has proved difficult as no way has been found to disable the energy transfer field without vapourising the mechanism.
The matrix is believed to be a simple circuit, mounted on a tetrahedral polymer frame. The whole device is usually 3-4cm wide, and appears as a black sphere (or occasionally an elipsoid) whose only features are the 4 vertices of the tetrahedron, where the plastic frame protrudes slightly. The sphere is some kind of field effect generated by the mechanism inside; it entirely absorbs electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, and any solid matter passing through the field is apparently converted into a mix of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen radicals before passing out the other side. It is unknown whether this behaviour is an unavoidable side-effect of the field, or whether it simply benefits the Service by preventing 3rd party examination of the mechanism.
The polymer frame is electrically conductive (possibly made from a substance similar to downline), and subjecting it to a magnetic field generates a potential difference between the points. The output voltage rises exponentially with the strength of the field, up to a limiting point at which the output becomes constant. This limiting point is apparently proportional to the cross-section area of the matrix perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
ZPM units are manufactured in a factory on Verdennegref, which is run entirely by the church. Most ZPMs are used in weapons such as las pistols, as well as industrial robots and many home appliances. However, the high cost means that solar energy is still a more viable choice for most applications. In addition, larger ZPMs up to 1.5m across are occasionally made for powering critical systems. It is believed (although this is not confirmed) that each temple ship is equipped with around a hundred large ZPMs to provide emergency power in the event that they somehow manage to mis-warp and materialise in deep space.
Safety
The ZPM seems to have only one failure mode: The field vanishes, converting all mass within it (including the mechanism) to a cloud of protons and neutrons. The electrical charge on this cloud can be considerable (releasing as much electrical energy as 2-3 seconds of normal use), but no energy of any other form is released.
Known stimuli which cause this breakdown include:
- Exposing the field to certain types of exotic radiation
- Conventional explosives
- Applying a high potential difference across the terminals
- Operating in hard vacuum
- Mechanical stress on the frame
- Insertion of matter at temperatures below 1.5K or above 240000K
- Destructive pattern interference
It should be noted that, contrary to popular myth, a las pistol (or other ZPM powered device) does not explode when passed through an accelerative discontinuity.
