STL Time Travel Project

I have been digging around a bit and looking into this project, headed by a man named Ronald Mallett, and funded by the University of Connecticut Foundation. Its is extremely interesting, and makes me look at the concept of time, and indeed time travel in a new light.

Mr Mallett proposes that time travel is possible by creating closed time loops in space time. Often, when theorising on the subject, the main problem is that of polluting the time line, creating multiple timelines, dimensions, etc, and thus dicing with the end of the universe! However, the STL project theory is a simple and new way of addressing the question.

The model is based on creating closed loops in time. A good way to think of it is imagining a square, with a mirror at each corner. In the middle of this square, neutrons, or other subatomic particles will be residing. By projecting a laser from mirror A to mirror B, it has a knock on effect, reflecting onto mirror C, mirror D, and thus onward infinately in a closed loop. The effect they are looking for is for the subatomic particles to be dragged around, similar to a petal on some water being moved because someone is circling a paddle around it. This is called Frame Dragging. The hope is that by using lasers in this fashion, a sort of Helix is created, stacking up and up within the closed loop, a little like a coiling spring, within the fabric of space time. Thus, by creating this loop, it should be possible that a user can pick a spot on the helix/spring, meaning they can pick a spot within the loop, witing time itself.

For me, this is very exciting, but also very scary. It may go toward eliminating the problem of time line pollution, but I think raises even more problems and questions. I am not the most scientifically minded person. I am looking for your views on this, especially the bright sparks who specialise in this sort of field. Is this possible? Would these closed time loops allow exits back to 'real' time? Could this be disasterous? Any thoughts/discussion would be greatly appreciated. I am so intrigued by this.

Wow, it sounds pretty crazy, and scary at the same time. I mean... what if we did something to screw up the time lines more then they already are. It wouldnt be very good at all.
But other then things like that, it would open up a whole new world of things to do in this world, and a lot of applications with tech like that.
Its a very interesting way they do it though; directing lazers.

-fm

Im dead dissapointed at the lack of interest in my thread!

I agree, it opens up massive possibilities, but I dont know whether lasers are the correct route to take to manipulate time?? I was hoping someone with technical knowledge could help. Im also intrigued about getting 'stuck' inside a loop.

Originally posted by Knight783
Im dead dissapointed at the lack of interest in my thread!

I agree, it opens up massive possibilities, but I dont know whether lasers are the correct route to take to manipulate time?? I was hoping someone with technical knowledge could help. Im also intrigued about getting 'stuck' inside a loop.

While I've never heard of this specific instance, I'm pretty sure this follows the rule that you can't go back in time past when your "time machine" was built. If you have a nice source for this you think lays everythign out, it'd be good if you posted it.

The info I have read is mainly in a couple of magazines and journals, most recently the English magazine Arena in the latest issue. There is a Wikipedia page for the man responsible for the project, it can be found here: en.wikipedia.org...

And the man himself has a website: www.physics.uconn.edu...

And the man himself has a website: www.physics.uconn.edu...

Ah, thank you. That's a really touching story, too. It seems to be a double-edhed sword. People with an emotional investment put all of their energy into their work, but it also means they're more likely to grasp at anything to see that their ideas "can work."

It sounds like an interesting theory, but as pointed out, the energy required is always the problem.

Wasn't there another workable model for a Time Machine that involved the traveler to be inside an "energy bubble" that was spinning ftl?

Benihana - I agree, he is motivated by an emotional attachment to the idea of seeing his dad again. An emotional investment can often get in the way of cold science, so this has to be considered when looking at his story, compelling as it is.

Horrificus - I also recollect the idea of a shell, or bubble, in which it is theorised one can time travel. The trouble is generating sufficient power, as with the Mallett theory. Oh, and the small problem of working out how to go faster than the speed of light!