Neumann Reactor (A1-0): Difference between revisions
(Created page with "thumb|500x500px|'''''A "Sunlight" Neumann arrangement on a typical gas giant.''''' The Neumann Reactor is a type of '''Pseudo-Stellification Engine''', that uses self-replicating Von-Neumann Probes to convert a gas giant's top atmospheric layer into energy. This technology is usually developed and utilized by civilizations that have passed the '''S1 advancement threshold'''. == Functioning == One or more self-replicating '''Matter-Energy Conversion...") |
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== Functioning == | == Functioning == | ||
One or more self-replicating '''Matter-Energy Conversion Reactors''' are introduced into the upper atmosphere of | One or more self-replicating '''Matter-Energy Conversion Reactors''' are introduced into the upper atmosphere of a gas giant or brown dwarf. Self-replicating technology of this type will increase in number exponentially given a suitable environment, but Neumann-reactor type pseudo-stellification is not applicable to ice giants or white dwarfs. | ||
Supported by '''Vacuum Balloons''' | Supported by '''Vacuum Balloons''' or by '''Fusion Candles''', each reactor consume the hydrogen and helium particles from the surrounding atmosphere and converts them into energy and raw materials. The energy produced is released upwards as light , while the materials are used to build another reactor. Each reactor generally takes about a standard year to replicate, after which the new reactor is released to begin its own process of consumption and replication while the starting unit begins the process again. As the number of reactors increases exponentially, they position themselves in large arrays or "flocks" which optimize material intake while leaving sufficient spacing for energy outflow. | ||
Although each individual reactor remains widely separated from its fellow's even when maximum deployment is achieved, over orbital distances the massed devices present a virtually continuous field of brilliant illumination | Although each individual reactor remains widely separated from its fellow's even when maximum deployment is achieved, over orbital distances the massed devices present a virtually continuous field of brilliant illumination. The closest orbiting moons or habitats may experience a certain amount of "granularity" in the illumination they receive but this is generally just ignored or dealt with appropriately designed lenses. | ||
Operating at full efficiency, | Operating at full efficiency, a single Neumann reactor can replicate to maximum safe coverage of the entire surface in less than 50 years. In practice, the timescales are often much shorter since many users either install multiple coordinated reactors at a time, and/or prefer to only illuminate those orbits they plan to inhabit rather than the entire surface. A common design methodology is the "'''Sunline'''", in which reactors are deployed only around the equator of the central body and are used to illuminate the orbits of the surrounding moons, rings, and habitats. | ||
== Known Users == | == Known Users == | ||
Revision as of 23:21, 3 August 2023
The Neumann Reactor is a type of Pseudo-Stellification Engine, that uses self-replicating Von-Neumann Probes to convert a gas giant's top atmospheric layer into energy. This technology is usually developed and utilized by civilizations that have passed the S1 advancement threshold.
Functioning
One or more self-replicating Matter-Energy Conversion Reactors are introduced into the upper atmosphere of a gas giant or brown dwarf. Self-replicating technology of this type will increase in number exponentially given a suitable environment, but Neumann-reactor type pseudo-stellification is not applicable to ice giants or white dwarfs.
Supported by Vacuum Balloons or by Fusion Candles, each reactor consume the hydrogen and helium particles from the surrounding atmosphere and converts them into energy and raw materials. The energy produced is released upwards as light , while the materials are used to build another reactor. Each reactor generally takes about a standard year to replicate, after which the new reactor is released to begin its own process of consumption and replication while the starting unit begins the process again. As the number of reactors increases exponentially, they position themselves in large arrays or "flocks" which optimize material intake while leaving sufficient spacing for energy outflow.
Although each individual reactor remains widely separated from its fellow's even when maximum deployment is achieved, over orbital distances the massed devices present a virtually continuous field of brilliant illumination. The closest orbiting moons or habitats may experience a certain amount of "granularity" in the illumination they receive but this is generally just ignored or dealt with appropriately designed lenses.
Operating at full efficiency, a single Neumann reactor can replicate to maximum safe coverage of the entire surface in less than 50 years. In practice, the timescales are often much shorter since many users either install multiple coordinated reactors at a time, and/or prefer to only illuminate those orbits they plan to inhabit rather than the entire surface. A common design methodology is the "Sunline", in which reactors are deployed only around the equator of the central body and are used to illuminate the orbits of the surrounding moons, rings, and habitats.
Known Users
Template:Country data Galactya
In recorded history, Galactya was probably one of the first if not the first civilization to employ this technology. The first recorded use of it was for the construction of the Kantheana Matryoshka Micronode.