I caught news that some folks have figured out a way to measure the quantum state of a particle, without affecting the quantum state. As I understand it, when one measures the quantum state of a particle, the act of measuring (or interacting) with the particle can change its quantum state. This would lead to unreliable measurements of a particle’s quantum state.

If these researchers have done what I think they have done, communication technologies should dramatically benefit. Consider the following:

1. Entangle two particles (A and B).
2. Put particle A into a device (device A) that changes its quantum states with variable frequency.
3. Allow the frequency to be controlled by a microphone, so that the rate of changing quantum states is controlled by someone’s voice.
4. Put particle B into a device (device B) that measures the changes in its quantum state, and amplifies those changes through a speaker.

This is similar to how a phone works, but the frequency is transmitted over wires and communication towers. What I think would be neat is that device A and B would be able to communicate at the speed of light, regardless of location, and without the need for a traditional service provider….you see, device A and B would communicate directly with each other!

Someone could be 1 mile underground in a Pennsylvania coal mine, and have a crystal-clear conversation with their friend in Australia, if they had such devices. In the same way, future astronauts in lunar orbit would be able to maintain communications even on the far side of the moon. The Mars Exploration Rovers would be able to communicate directly with operators on Earth without line-of-sight restrictions (or the need for orbiting relays).

Even better, the power consumption for long distance communications would be miniscule compared to the traditional RF transmissions. Consider the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which at the time of writing is 9,067,000,000 miles from Earth. Sensitive equipment on Earth is still able to receive communication signals from Voyager 1, even though they get weaker as the spacecraft distances itself from Earth. At some point in the future the Voyager 1 signal’s noise-to-signal ratio may be such that equipment on Earth won’t be able to “hear” the spacecraft. If Voyager 1 wanted to be “heard” it would have to “shout” louder, but the transmitter it has can only “shout” so loud.

If Voyager 1 had a particle entangled with one on Earth, then it could apply very little effort to change the quantum state of its on-board particle, and then we could measure the changes in our particle on Earth with no signal loss. No matter the distance, this type of communication would provide perfect reception.

Think about it.

Ric, guitarist for Scribblin’, is totally psyched about starting the filming for Esspaul. He has offered the use of his kitchen for the filming of the pilot, and is already thinking of some great dishes for Paul to prepare.

I’m hoping Mark will be able to help with scene composition and lighting. I will be handling editing and pre/post mastering, as well as performing as Chef Paul’s personal minstrel; following him about the kitchen singing and obnoxiously clapping coconuts. Actually, I’m just going to sing the intro/outro theme song. (BTW-Paul, we need to write an outro.) But for now, we’ll be working on a storyboard. With the final product, we’d like to post it on the internet, but may seek corporate sponsorship and an eventual television series contract.