For the first time, scientists have observed a collection of particles, also known as a quasiparticle, that's massless when moving one direction but has mass in the other direction. The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers at Penn State.
A spinning ring or torus of these particles would make a great propulsion system! When moving toward the back of the ship, they’re reaction mass, moving the ship forward. Then they masslessly move back toward the front of the ship. Basically like a rocket that keeps reusing its own exhaust.
A spinning ring or torus of these particles would make a great propulsion system! When moving toward the back of the ship, they’re reaction mass, moving the ship forward. Then they masslessly move back toward the front of the ship. Basically like a rocket that keeps reusing its own exhaust.