Alcubierre Drive: Faster Than Light Travel Possible?

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The Alcubierre Drive proposes a theoretical method for faster-than-light travel that adheres to the laws of relativity by manipulating spacetime. Research indicates that this concept requires exotic materials with negative energy density, which are still a topic of debate among physicists regarding their availability and quantity needed. Ongoing studies and serious papers continue to explore the feasibility of warp drive spacetimes, highlighting various challenges associated with the concept. The discussion reflects a mix of intrigue and skepticism about the practical pursuit of this technology. Overall, the potential for faster-than-light travel remains a captivating yet complex area of scientific inquiry.
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I stumbled across it on wikipedia. I'd never heard of it before but sounds quite interesting. I wonder if it'll ever be pursued as a way for faster than light travel. I think it's clever the way it allows this without defying the laws of relativity. What's everyone elses opinion?
 
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Unredeemed said:
I stumbled across it on wikipedia. I'd never heard of it before but sounds quite interesting. I wonder if it'll ever be pursued as a way for faster than light travel. I think it's clever the way it allows this without defying the laws of relativity. What's everyone elses opinion?

There are serious papers on warp drive spacetimes, but this types of spacetime requires exotic material (negative energy density as measured by some observers). Quantum theory seem to indicate that exotic material exists, but how much is needed for these spacetimes is a matter of disagreement among physicists, i.e., research is still ongoing. A good technical review is

http://arxiv.org/abs/0710.4474.

This review mentions other problems, as well.
 
MOVING CLOCKS In this section, we show that clocks moving at high speeds run slowly. We construct a clock, called a light clock, using a stick of proper lenght ##L_0##, and two mirrors. The two mirrors face each other, and a pulse of light bounces back and forth betweem them. Each time the light pulse strikes one of the mirrors, say the lower mirror, the clock is said to tick. Between successive ticks the light pulse travels a distance ##2L_0## in the proper reference of frame of the clock...

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