Could Laser Beam Shifting Enable Faster-Than-Light Communication?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the concept of using laser beam shifting to achieve faster-than-light (FTL) communication. The proposal involves a laser at Place A projecting to Place C, which is positioned above the surface, while simultaneously allowing a second laser to communicate with Place B. The key idea is that by adjusting the angle of the lasers, information could be transmitted faster than light travels between the two points, leveraging the principle that light and shadows can cross a distant object without violating the laws of relativity. The discussion concludes that while the method presents an intriguing theoretical framework, practical implementation remains unproven.

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Gaz1982
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OK, just had a thought. And I would be grateful if someone could explain why this couldn't work:Place A is on a surface

Place B in on the same surface but, say 10,000 miles away from Place A. Therefore communication between them is limited the speed of light .

But what if, at Place A there was a laser constantly projecting a beam to Place C - which for arguments' sake is 1000 miles above the surface and equal distance between Places A and B.

The laser's beam is by default fixed onto Place C Box 1, but at a time of asking the laser is quickly moved to shine on Place C Box 2. At this point a similar such laser which contently fires from Place C Box 2, then moves very quickly from shining at Place B box 1 (back down on the surface) to Place B Box 2

In effect, Place A has "informed" Place B of a change in status quicker than the time it takes light to travel in-between Places A and B in a conventional method, as the lasers were already on and shining, they just needed their angle adjusting a fraction.

This is based on the principle that lights and shadows can of course cross a distant object faster than the speed of light without violating Relativity.

If the lasers I quoted were always on, and just needed to move slightly, and the boxes be automated to do something when light hits them, could this then = de facto FTL communication?
 
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When the laser at A is shifted, the effect will not be seen at place C until a speed of light delay has elapsed. Place C, box 1 will remain illuminated for some time (about 26 milliseconds in this case) while light sent earlier from point A is still coming in, even though the laser at point A is already pointing at box 2.
 
jbriggs444 said:
When the laser at A is shifted, the effect will not be seen at place C until a speed of light delay has elapsed. Place C, box 1 will remain illuminated for some time (about 26 milliseconds in this case) while light sent earlier from point A is still coming in, even though the laser at point A is already pointing at box 2.
Of course!

Thank you!

I'll put my Nobel prize celebrations on hold for a while
 

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