Neumann Reactor (A1-0)
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The Neumann Reactor is a type of Pseudo-Stellification Engine, that uses self-replicating Von-Neumann Probes to convert the top atmospheric layers of a gas giant into energy through Nuclear Fusion and/or Total Matter Energy Conversion.
Functionings
One or more self-replicating Matter-Energy Conversion Reactors are introduced into the upper atmosphere of a gas giant or brown dwarf either through a series of crash-release capsule probes, or through low-orbit seeders. 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.