April 29, 2009

'Hidden photons' to send secret emails through Earth. [Via]
posted by homunculus 15 years ago
  • I'll bet the first message will have something to do with either Viagra or enlarging one's member.
  • These hidden photons won't burn me here in the shade will they? I don't know how Malcomb Fairbairn found that "over the 12,700-kilometre diameter of the Earth, the signal capacity would be just 1 bit per second." Based on that low ball figure his math is right that it would take about a year to download a (2 minute?) mp3... But even if he's right about the bandwidth, and it's true that only one photon a second can transmit, couldn't they give these photons different frequencies? Different oscillations per second? That would add another layer to the amount of information each one might carry. Since really there are an INFINITE number of frequencies, if not colors, why be satisfied with one lousy mp3 every year? With a sensitive enough apparatus, and a deep enough look-up table, we could well expect - dare I say it? Infinite songs... *Ever the optimist*
  • Since really there are an INFINITE number of frequencies quantum mechanics vs. ALLCAPS. Who will win?
  • Hidden snails send secret photos through the Earth IF you squich a snail on the floor, where does the slime go? With the right preparation, some of it might pop out at the other side of the world - an effect that could be exploited to transmit secret messages through the ground.
  • Bidden's phonons send seedy males through the Earth IF you listen to Joe Bidden's whiny voice, where does your brain go? With the right preparation, some of it might pop out at the other side of the world - an effect that could be exploited to transmit secret messages to your boyfriend.
  • Forbidden potato to lend Earth secret chainmail If you drop quidnunc on the floor, who cares? With the right preparation, some of him might pop out at the other side of the world - an effect that could be exploited to get rid of the senseless moron once and for all.
  • Interesting about the quantum mechanics angle, kid. Isn't that the one where different photons can appear in more than one place or something? It's indeterminate how much variability that would add to my paltry concept of infinity. Good point. Perfect for transmitting modern music, random, serene, filled with the unexpected.
  • The SAME photon in different places at once, I think I meant. *vague recollections trump serious research*
  • Can I be the first to name these non-existent invisible photons as photoffs? Perhaps not.