Human teleportation has long been a fixture of science fiction, where characters can instantly move from one place to another, either close by or even countries away. However, in the realm of quantum physics, this idea is no longer just a fantasy. Since its theoretical foundations were laid nearly 30 years ago by a team from IBM, research has progressed dramatically, suggesting that quantum computing could lead to breakthroughs in teleportation.
The theory of human teleportation in quantum physics
In 1993, researchers from IBM established the theory for quantum teleportation. It led to subsequent experiments in 1998 when physicists successfully teleported a photon over a meter of coaxial cable.
Fast forward to the present, and experiments have advanced to teleporting data and information over miles and miles. This has given rise to the belief that teleporting complex matter—including entire human beings—could eventually be possible.
At teleportation’s core lies quantum entanglement, a unique phenomenon whereby particles become interconnected in such a way that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, irregardless of distance. This principle reinforces quantum computing, which harnesses quantum bits that can simultaneously exist in multiple states. This far exceeds the capabilities of traditional computing that relies on binary bits.
Advancements in teleportation: From photons to complex matter
Breakthroughs over the years from experiments involving simpler particles have been primarily successful. A landmark achievement in 2012 allowed for photon teleportation through open air between two landmasses in Spain’s Canary Islands.
In 2016, physicists in Canada teleported a photon 3.7 miles through fiber-optic data cables. The following year, researchers in China successfully demonstrated quantum teleportation by transporting a photon from Earth to an orbiting satellite.
While the teleportation of photons is promising, the leap to teleporting entire human beings poses a bigger challenge. The average human body consists of approximately 7 x 10^27 atoms, each with its own quantum state. Nevertheless, scientists remain optimistic, with some proposing that we could devise ways to analyze and replicate the overall quantum state of a person, much like sending a digital file.
There are ethical and technological concerns surrounding human teleportation
The prospect of human teleportation raises ethical concerns. Essentially, it would require the complete disassembly of a person, potentially erasing the original while creating a clone. Theoretical physicist John Clauser has pondered whether anyone would willingly consent to this act:
“Imagine you’re told that if you step into this box, every atom in your body will be disassembled, effectively leaving your body totally destroyed, thereby killing you. Furthermore, you’re also told that afterwards, a replicant of you starts walking around… taking over your life as you once knew it… would you step into that box?”
Technical challenges also need to be addressed. Despite the strides in quantum computing, accurately capturing the details needed to teleport life forms remains difficult. The uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics complicates this endeavor, limiting our ability to know the exact position and velocity of particles. In turn, this hampers our efforts to create the complete quantum state of a human being.
Evidently, the shift from theory to real-world application is filled with obstacles. The prospect of human teleportation, however, remains an enticing dream bordering on the realm of strong possibility. Nevertheless, the intersection of advanced technology and ethical dilemmas makes teleportation a complex yet fascinating topic for exploration.
Although human teleportation may still be a dream, the journey towards making it a reality is undeniably thrilling. This pursuit sparks our imagination while deepening our understanding of human existence. With each breakthrough, we move closer to unveiling the mysteries of our very beings.