‘Were the massive granite boxes, or Cyclopean Sarcophagi, at the Serapeum of Saqqara designed to be hermetically sealed?’

When I woke up this morning I was wondering whether the ancient granite boxes at the Serapeum of Saqqara in Egypt, were designed to be Hermetically sealed.

So, that was my 1st Q. to Google AI today.

The boxes were found in corridors at a depth of approximately 17 meters (56 feet) below the surface of the Saqqara plateau, in a vast underground complex with tunnels extending up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) long and rooms that are 9 to 11 meters (29.5 to 36 feet) long. 

Each box was cut out of a massive single piece of granite, and weighs between 60 to 100 tons, with individual sarcophagi weighing approximately 70 tons and lids around 30 tons. 

The high precision, the lack of visible tool marks, and the absence of obvious machinery to move such heavy objects contribute to the enduring mystery of their construction. 

The boxes fit precisely into the chambers, with the corridors providing just enough clearance for their transport and placement. The extreme fit of the 80-100 ton boxes within the confined spaces is considered one of the many mysteries of the Serapeum.

The limited space between the boxes and the tunnel walls presents a puzzle, as it’s unclear how such massive objects could have been brought through these confined passages.

Although the Serapeum is believed to have been intended for the burial of sacred Apis bulls, the massive granite sarcophagi that were supposed to contain them were discovered to be completely empty. 

Sacred Apis bulls were considered earthly incarnations of the Egyptian god Ptah, and after death, they were believed to become Osiris-Apis. 

So, if the remains of sacred Apis bulls had been placed by priests inside these boxes before the lids were hemetically sealed, then why was nothing found? i.e. were did the mumified remains – including of course the skeletons of these sacred animals go?

Note that in reply to Q. 6, AI stated – ‘The precision of the boxes and tunnels suggests construction by a sophisticated, possibly non-Egyptian, culture, with the site being modified and reused by later Dynastic Egyptians.’

So, it appears that the granite boxes and tunnels were not conceived of, designed and built by the Ancient Egyptians, but by an earlier lost and forgotten civilization far back in antiquity, i.e. in pre-history, whose existence and historical memory may have been almost completely obliterated by e.g. a natural calamity, such as climate change/floods.

If that is correct, then the Serapeum at Saqqara is a surviving legacy to mankind of the achievements of their highly advanced civilization.

In which case, logically, unless that lost civilization revered Apis Bulls as sacred animals, the Granite Boxes of the Serapeum could not have been built in order to contain the mummified remains of scared bulls.

So, what purpose were the boxes precision engineered to serve?

AI replied –

‘Yes, the massive granite boxes, or Cyclopean Sarcophagi, at the Serapeum of Saqqara were designed with extreme precision, achieving a tolerance of just one micron, which ensured that their lids created a hermetic or airtight seal. This level of craftsmanship, rivaling modern machining, was used to create a sealed environment, though the precise function of this sealed environment remains a subject of mystery and debate among historians and archaeologists.  

Details of the Sarcophagi

  • Construction: 

The sarcophagi are massive, weighing approximately 50 tons without the lids, which add another 30 tons. 

  • Precision: 

The extreme accuracy of their construction, down to one micron, allowed for the lids to fit with remarkable tightness. 

  • Material: 

They were carved from granite, a hard stone, demonstrating an advanced level of engineering skill for the ancient Egyptians. 

The Purpose of the Seal

  • Airtight Interior: The precision of the cuts ensured that no oxygen could escape or enter. 
  • Mystery of Function: While the precise intention for this hermetic sealing is not fully understood, theories suggest it could relate to maintaining pressure or creating a unique storage environment for whatever was placed inside. 

Lingering Questions 

  • Manufacturing Methods: 

The methods used to achieve such high precision with ancient tools remain a captivating mystery.

  • Function of the Seal: 

The purpose of the airtight seals is a subject of continued scholarly discussion, adding to the overall enigma of the Serapeum.’

My 2nd Q. – ‘What is the purpose of hermetic sealing?’

AI – ‘The primary purpose of hermetic sealing is to create a completely airtight barrier that prevents the ingress or egress of gases, liquids, and contaminants, thereby protecting products and components from external factors like moisture, dust, and air. This protection ensures product safety, enhances performance, and extends shelf life in applications ranging from food packaging to advanced electronics and medical devices.  

Key purposes and benefits

  • Protection from the environment

Hermetic seals protect sensitive items from moisture, oxygen, dust, and other airborne contaminants that can cause degradation, corrosion, or failure. 

  • Prevention of leakage

The seal prevents the contents of a container (whether solid, liquid, or gas) from leaking out, ensuring the integrity of the product or system. 

  • Extended shelf life

For products like food, hermetic packaging helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction. 

  • Improved performance and reliability

In electronic and medical devices, hermetic seals maintain the internal environment, ensuring that sensitive components and circuits function reliably and safely. 

  • Safety in critical applications

In healthcare and aerospace, hermetic seals are crucial for preventing leaks of potentially harmful substances or protecting critical equipment from harsh conditions like temperature extremes and radiation. 

  • Preservation of internal environments

The process can also maintain specific internal conditions, such as the pressure or atmosphere, within a sealed enclosure. 

Common applications

  • Electronics

Protecting sensitive circuits, sensors, and power supplies from humidity, dust, and other environmental factors. 

  • Medical Devices

Encapsulating implantable devices and sensitive equipment to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety. 

  • Food Packaging

Extending the shelf life of packaged foods, from fresh produce to desserts, by preventing oxygen and moisture from entering. 

  • Aerospace and Military

Shielding critical components from extreme temperatures, vibrations, and the vacuum of space to ensure system reliability.’

My 3rd Q. – ‘What is the origin of the phrase Hermetically Sealed?’

AI – ‘The phrase “hermetically sealed” originates from the ancient practice of alchemy and is named after Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary figure believed to have invented the “secret seal” for making glass tubes airtight during their experiments. Alchemists, inspired by the wisdom attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, would heat and fuse the necks of glass vessels to create an airtight seal, a process essential for techniques like distillation and for preserving materials like the mythical Philosopher’s Stone. 

Origin and Connection to Hermes

He was a legendary figure combining the Greek god Hermes with the Egyptian god Thoth, and he was the central figure in the tradition of Hermeticism

  • Alchemical Practice: 

Alchemists believed that Hermes Trismegistus was a master of secret arts, including a method to create a perfectly airtight seal using a special technique. 

  • Sealing Vessels: 

To perform their experiments, such as changing matter from one form to another, alchemists needed sealed containers. The process of sealing a vessel by fusing its neck closed was a “secret seal” and was attributed to Hermes. 

  • The “Hermetic Seal”: 

This technique was known as the “Seal of Hermes” or “hermetic seal”. 

Meaning of “Hermetically Sealed”

  • The term “hermetic” was applied to this method of sealing in the early 17th century. 
  • “Hermetically sealed” then came to mean “completely sealed” or “airtight,” referring to the complete and perfect closure achieved through this method. 

My 4th Q. – ‘Is it possible using sound waves and frequency inside a hermetically sealed box to transform what is inside?’

AI – ‘Yes, sound waves in a hermetically sealed box can transform the contents by transferring energy and applying forces, allowing for manipulation of objects via acoustic levitation, or even breaking apart molecular bonds at high enough frequencies. A well-sealed box can both contain sound waves and protect what is inside from external vibrations, but internal sound will still interact with and cause changes to the objects and the air within it.  

How Sound Transforms Contents

Sound waves can be used to generate standing waves that exert forces on objects, allowing them to be suspended in the air without physical contact. This process can move and manipulate small objects, even influencing the course of chemical reactions. 

Sound waves are vibrations that carry energy. While typically associated with pressure waves in a fluid medium, intense or specific sound frequencies can deliver enough energy to affect matter at a molecular level. High-frequency sound waves could potentially cause molecules to vibrate with enough energy to break bonds. 

  • Energy Transfer: 

Sound energy will inevitably interact with the materials inside a sealed box. It will cause the walls of the box and any objects within to vibrate, leading to energy transfer from the sound to these objects and eventually into heat, according to Quora users

Limitations and Considerations

  • Energy Loss: 

Even with a sealed box, sound waves lose energy over time due to friction within the medium (like air) and absorption by the walls. 

  • Frequency Dependency: 

The type and intensity of transformation depend on the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves. 

  • Interference: 

Complex sounds are made of many frequencies, which can interfere with each other, and this interference can also affect the sound waves and their impact within the box.’

My 5th Q. – ‘Can extremely high-frequency ultrasound cause cavitation and damage, i.e. a physical disintegrating effect?’

AI – ‘Yes, extremely high-frequency ultrasound, particularly at high intensities, can cause cavitation and significant mechanical damage, such as a physical disintegrating effect on tissues. The intense pressure of collapsing bubbles from acoustic cavitation can generate powerful shockwaves, high-speed liquid jets, and intense localized heating, all of which can physically shred tissues and even cause molecular dissociation. 

How Ultrasound Causes Cavitation and Disintegration:

  1. Acoustic Cavitation: 

High-intensity ultrasound creates regions of high and low pressure in a liquid. In the low-pressure (rarefaction) phases, dissolved gas can be drawn out of the solution, forming bubbles. 

  • Bubble Collapse: 

These bubbles oscillate and then violently collapse (implode) due to the high-pressure (compression) phases of the sound wave. 

  • Physical Effects: 

The implosion of these bubbles is a highly energetic event that produces several physical phenomena capable of causing disintegration:

  • Shockwaves: The collapsing bubbles can generate powerful shockwaves with immense pressure, which can fragment tissue. 
    • Liquid Jets: If the bubble collapses near a surface or another bubble, high-speed liquid jets can form, delivering powerful, localized impacts. 
    • Mechanical Trauma: The combination of shockwaves, micro-jets, and turbulent flow around the collapsing bubbles leads to significant mechanical trauma and a disintegrating effect on the surrounding material. 

Applications and Effects:

  • Therapeutic Applications: 

This high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is used to break up kidney stones (lithotripsy) and fragment soft tissues in some medical therapies. 

  • Nanomaterial and Cell Manipulation: 

The physical and chemical effects of cavitation are also used to create novel nanomaterials and to permeabilize cells for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.’ 

My 6th Q. – ‘Is there  physical evidence that the superstructure of the Serapeum at Saqqara built around the granite boxes inside?’

AI – ‘No, physical evidence does not support the theory of a superstructure built around the granite boxes at the Serapeum of Saqqara; rather, the entire complex, including the boxes and chambers, was carved directly from the bedrock as an underground structure. The precision of the boxes and tunnels suggests construction by a sophisticated, possibly non-Egyptian, culture, with the site being modified and reused by later Dynastic Egyptians.  

The Serapeum’s Construction

  • Underground Origin: 

The Serapeum is an extensive underground complex, where the chambers were carved out of the rock rather than built on the surface. 

  • Sophisticated Engineering: 

The enormous granite boxes and the complex tunnel system display a level of precision and engineering that challenges conventional understanding of the period, according to Facebook posts and Reddit threads. 

  • Mysterious Techniques: 

The smooth surfaces and precise 90-degree angles of the boxes suggest advanced carving and polishing techniques, with no evidence of conventional methods like sleds or pulleys. 

Evidence of Re-Use and Modification

  • Lack of Initial Construction Evidence: 

The construction of the chambers and the placement of the boxes could not have been done with conventional surface methods. 

  • Later Egyptian Modifications: 

The complex shows evidence of renovation and reuse during the Dynastic Egyptian period, indicating later cultures modified an older, pre-existing structure. 

  • Dating and Inscriptions: 

Inscriptions found in some areas date to the 26th Dynasty, centuries after the site’s earliest known use, suggesting a later culture tried to explain or claim the older structures, notes a Reddit post

Conclusion

The physical evidence points to the Serapeum as an ancient underground excavation site where the boxes were carved directly into the rock. Any idea of a surface superstructure built around these boxes is not supported by the archaeological evidence.’

My 7th Q. – ‘Can particle movement in a body inside a hermetically sealed granite box be transformed using sound waves and frequency?’

AI – ‘Yes, sound waves and frequency can transform particle movement within a hermetically sealed granite box by inducing vibrations, creating forces, and manipulating objects, a phenomenon known as acoustic manipulation or acoustic levitation. The sound energy, passed through the granite and into the body, causes its constituent particles to vibrate, and the frequency of these vibrations can be tailored to specific purposes, such as moving particles, separating them, or even suspending them in place. 

How it works

  1. Sound as Vibration

Sound is a wave of vibrations that travel through a medium, causing its particles to vibrate. 

  • Transmission through Solids

Sound travels well through solids, making the granite box a suitable medium for transmitting sound waves. 

  • Acoustic Manipulation

When sound waves reach a body, they apply pressure and exert forces on its particles, causing them to move. 

  • Frequency Control

Different frequencies of sound have different effects. By controlling the frequency, you can:

  • Induce Vibration: Cause particles to vibrate, which is the fundamental way sound moves through matter. 
    • Create Standing Waves: High-frequency (ultrasonic) sound can create standing waves with nodes where particles accumulate or are suspended. 
    • Apply Directional Forces: Specially shaped sound waves can push and pull particles along precise paths. 
  • Application in a Box

A sound source outside the sealed granite box can transmit sound waves through the granite into the body inside. This sound would vibrate the body’s particles, enabling movement and other manipulations.’ 

My 8th Q. – ‘Are scientists researching quantum teleportation and how sound can tunnel or transmit across a vacuum using piezoelectric crystals and their associated electric fields?’

AI – ‘Yes, scientists are researching both quantum teleportation and the transmission of sound across a vacuum using piezoelectric crystals, but these are two distinct phenomena. Research has shown that sound can indeed “tunnel” across a vacuum using piezoelectric crystals, where the sound wave’s vibrations are converted to an electric field, travel through the vacuum, and then are converted back to sound. Simultaneously, quantum teleportation is an active area of research, involving the transfer of quantum information from one location to another. 

Quantum Teleportation

  • What it is: 

Quantum teleportation is the process of transferring a quantum state from one location to another without physically moving the particle itself. 

  • How it works: 

It involves the destruction of the original quantum state and the recreation of an identical state at a new location using quantum entanglement. 

  • Research focus: 

Scientists are working to make quantum teleportation more efficient and reliable, with applications ranging from quantum computing to creating secure quantum communication networks. 

Sound Tunnelling Through a Vacuum

  • What it is: 

This refers to the phenomenon where a sound wave’s energy can be transmitted across a vacuum gap between two piezoelectric materials. 

  • How it works:
    • Piezoelectric effect: Sound vibrations in a piezoelectric crystal create an electrical response. 
    • Electric field in vacuum: Since an electric field can exist in a vacuum, this electrical response can propagate across the vacuum gap. 
    • Conversion back to sound: At the other piezoelectric crystal, the electric field is converted back into mechanical vibrations, effectively creating the sound wave. 
  • Research focus: 

This area of research explores the potential for manipulating and transmitting acoustic waves and vibrations without physical contact, with applications in microelectromechanical components, smartphone technology, and heat control.’

My 9th Q. – ‘For scientists researching the teleportation process, in order to conduct an experiment  in an environment that is isolated from noise and external disturbances could a granite box located deep underground be used?’

AI – ‘Yes, a deep underground granite box could be a valuable component of an experiment to isolate a quantum teleportation system from noise and external disturbances, though the overall effectiveness depends on other factors. Placing the experiment deep underground reduces noise from sources like electromagnetic interference and seismic activity, and a granite enclosure would provide further physical shielding. However, the primary challenges are the inherent quantum noise from the environment itself, which can be addressed through techniques like hybrid entanglement. 

Benefits of a Deep Underground Granite Enclosure 

  • Reduced Electromagnetic Interference: 

Being deep underground shields the experiment from external electromagnetic fields, a common source of noise in quantum systems.

  • Vibration Isolation: 

Underground locations typically experience less seismic and mechanical vibration than surface facilities, which can disturb quantum states.

  • Physical Shielding: 

A granite box offers a dense, inert material to further contain and shield the sensitive quantum equipment from external influences.

Limitations and Other Considerations

  • Inherent Quantum Noise: 

Even in a well-shielded environment, the qubits involved in quantum teleportation can be affected by their own local environments and interactions, a phenomenon known as quantum noise. 

  • Environmental Interaction: 

The environment’s interaction with the open quantum system can cause energy relaxation and dephasing, which are detrimental to the quality of teleportation. 

  • Addressing Quantum Noise: 

Researchers are developing new methods to mitigate or even control this type of noise, such as using “multipartite hybrid entanglement” to entangle qubits with their local environments in a controlled manner. 

  • Other Factors: 

For the success of a quantum teleportation experiment, the quality of the entangled resources, the stability of the devices, and the precision of the measurement and control systems are also crucial.’

My 10th Q. – ‘Can a significant quartz content inside a granite and diorite box make minerals piezoelectric, thereby converting mechanical stress into electricity?’

AI – ‘Yes, a granite or diorite box with significant quartz content can become piezoelectric, allowing its quartz crystals to convert mechanical stress into electricity. This effect occurs because quartz is a piezoelectric mineral, and when a large number of these grains are present, they can form a “piezoelectric fabric” within the rock. Applying a dynamic mechanical stress, such as vibration or pressure, causes the displaced charges within the quartz crystals to generate a measurable electrical charge and voltage. 

How it Works

  1. Piezoelectric Minerals: 

Quartz is a naturally piezoelectric mineral, meaning it generates an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress. 

  • Rock Structure: 

When quartz grains are sufficiently abundant and suitably aligned within the granite or diorite, they form a piezoelectric fabric throughout the rock. 

  • Mechanical Stress: 

Applying a dynamic force, like vibration, pressure, or even seismic activity, to the quartz-rich rock causes the crystal lattice of the quartz to deform. 

  • Charge Displacement: 

This deformation leads to the displacement of electric charges within the quartz crystals. 

  • Electricity Generation: 

The displaced charges create a net polarization and generate a voltage across the material, resulting in an electrical discharge. 

Factors Influencing the Effect

  • Quartz Content: 

A higher concentration of quartz generally leads to a stronger piezoelectric effect. 

  • Grain Alignment: 

A preferred orientation of the piezoelectric grains, known as a piezoelectric fabric, can significantly enhance the overall effect. 

  • Type of Stress: 

The stress must be dynamic and changing to generate electricity. 

  • Type of Rock: 

While granite is known to be piezoelectric due to its quartz content, rocks lacking free quartz, such as marble or basalt, do not exhibit significant piezoelectric effects. 

Potential Applications

  • Energy Harvesting: Research is ongoing to harness this property for energy generation. 
  • Geothermal Systems: Combining piezoelectric and geothermal properties in stones could lead to new renewable energy systems. 
  • Biomedical Engineering: Piezoelectric materials are used in biomedical applications to promote tissue repair by generating electrical signals in response to mechanical stress.’ 

My 11th Q. – ‘Are any of the boxes inside the Serapeum at Saqqara made of granite and diorite?’

AI – ‘Yes, many of the massive boxes, which were used as sarcophagi for the Apis bulls, are made of granite and some are made of diorite. These were some of the largest and hardest stones available, quarried from remote locations like Aswan for the granite.  

Specifics about the materials

  • Granite: 

Many of the sarcophagi are made from Aswan granite, a very hard, durable stone. 

  • Diorite: 

Some of the boxes are also made from diorite, a stone even harder than granite and quarried from even more distant locations. 

Significance of these materials

  • Scale and Precision: 

The use of these incredibly hard stones, quarried and transported over vast distances, highlights the advanced engineering and monumental effort involved in the Serapeum’s construction. 

  • Mysterious Origins: 

The sheer scale and precision of these monolithic structures, crafted from such difficult materials, continue to be a source of mystery and debate for Egyptologists and researchers.’

My 12th Q. –  ‘Does any ancient text discuss teleportation?

AI – ‘Yes, many ancient texts, particularly within Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Abrahamic traditions, describe instances of instant travel or teleportation as a supernatural ability or a divine act, rather than a technological feat. In Hinduism, sages and deities like Narada Muni are depicted as possessing the power of siddhi, or spiritual powers, allowing them to traverse vast distances instantly. Similarly, Buddhist scriptures mention abhijñā, or supernatural powers, including teleportation. In the Abrahamic traditions, figures like Philip in the Book of Acts are described as being miraculously “caught up” by the Holy Spirit and transported to another location. 

Hindu Texts

Ancient Indian texts, such as the UpanishadsVedas, and Puranas, describe yogis and rishis (sages) who can achieve siddhis, which include the power to teleport or travel through space and time. 

  • Divine Beings: 

Deities such as Narada Muni are portrayed as celestial messengers capable of appearing anywhere in the universe by their own willpower. 

The foundational text of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, describes techniques for developing such powers, including the ability to “flow into any frequency” to travel to different realms. 

Buddhist Texts

In Buddhism, teleportation is listed as one of the abhijñā, or supernatural powers, that enlightened beings can attain through deep insight into the nature of reality. 

Legends tell of the Buddha possessing the ability to teleport, with one tale describing him appearing on the other side of a raging river instantly. 

Abrahamic Texts

  • Divine Intervention: 

Teleportation-like events occur in biblical accounts as acts of divine intervention. 

In the Book of Acts, the prophet Philip is said to have been “caught up” by the Spirit and transported from one place to another, appearing in a distant town to baptize an Ethiopian official. 

The prophet Elijah is described as being “carried” by the Spirit of the Lord to an unknown location. 

In essence, while modern definitions of teleportation involve technology, these ancient texts describe it as a spiritual or divine ability, a manifestation of manipulating consciousness and reality beyond conventional physical limits.’

My 13th Q. – ‘What advances and breakthroughs have been achieved by scientists researching teleportation in the UK?’

AI – ‘UK scientists at the University of Oxford achieved a major breakthrough in February 2025, demonstrating the teleportation of a quantum logic gate between two separate quantum processors, a world-first that links them into a single, interconnected quantum computer. This advancement, which uses available technology, is a significant step toward building scalable quantum computers and a future quantum internet, rather than teleporting physical matter. 

Key Breakthrough:

  • Quantum Gate Teleportation: 

The Oxford team successfully “teleported” a fundamental two-qubit quantum gate across a two-meter optical fiber, linking two distinct quantum computing modules. 

  • Creating a Distributed Quantum Computer: 

This process effectively merges the separate processors into one fully-connected quantum computer, overcoming a major challenge in scaling quantum systems. 

Significance and Applications:

The ability to link distant quantum processors addresses the critical need for scalability in quantum computing, bringing large-scale practical applications closer to reality. 

This breakthrough lays the groundwork for a future quantum internet, an ultra-secure network for secure communication, advanced computation, and sophisticated sensing. 

  • Deterministic Interactions: 

A crucial aspect of the research is the ability to perform these interactions deterministically, meaning they are highly reliable and less prone to failure, which is vital for complex quantum computations. 

How it Works: 

  • Quantum Entanglement: 

The research builds on the principles of quantum entanglement, the strange connection between particles across vast distances.

  • Information, Not Matter: 

It’s important to note that this is not the teleportation of physical objects or people, but rather the transmission of quantum information. The process involves transferring the quantum state (the “information”) of a particle between physically separated systems.

Context:

  • World First: 

The Oxford team’s work is the first demonstration of quantum teleportation of logical gates across a network link. 

  • Real-World Technology: 

The experiment was conducted using technology that is already available, demonstrating that network-distributed quantum information processing is feasible with current tools.’

My 14th Q. – ‘What advances and breakthroughs have been achieved by scientists researching teleportation in Japan?’

AI – ‘Japanese scientists have advanced quantum teleportation through work at Yokohama National University, teleporting quantum information into a diamond’s lattice, and by using microsatellites for quantum communication. Their breakthroughs are crucial steps toward quantum networks and a future “quantum internet” for secure, powerful computing and communications. 

Quantum Information in a Diamond

  • What: 

Researchers at Yokohama National University successfully teleported quantum information into the crystal structure of a diamond. 

  • How: 

They focused on quantum defects within the diamond’s lattice—vacancies where a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom—and used a “hybrid technique” to transmit the quantum information. 

  • Significance: 

This achievement demonstrated a way to transfer quantum information into an otherwise inaccessible space and into a quantum memory without disturbing it, which is vital for quantum information technology. 

Quantum Communication with Microsatellites 

  • What: 

Japanese physicists were the first to use a microsatellite for quantum communications.

  • Significance: 

This development suggests that practical satellite-based quantum communications could become a reality, potentially paving the way for space-based quantum networks.

Broader Impact

  • Quantum Internet: 

These advances are considered key to building a future quantum internet that would connect quantum computers and enable unprecedented communication security. 

Teleportation plays a vital role in distributing entanglement, which is essential for scaling up quantum computers and performing complex calculations. 

  • Quantum Cryptography: 

The ability to teleport quantum states reliably contributes to the development of uncrackable security protocols for information’. 

My 16th Q. – ‘Can Teleportation be used to create a device in which to store information?’

AI – ‘Yes, quantum teleportation can be used to create and scale devices for information storage, particularly for building a distributed quantum computing network and a quantum internet. Instead of transmitting matter, quantum teleportation transfers quantum information using quantum entanglement and classical communication, enabling the connection of separate quantum processors to form larger, more powerful machines. How it works:

  1. Quantum Entanglement: Two particles become “entangled,” meaning they are linked and share the same state, no matter the distance between them. 
  2. Information Transfer: A quantum message (a qubit) is entangled with one of the entangled particles. 
  3. Classical Communication: A measurement is performed on the original message qubit and the entangled qubit. 
  4. Reconstruction: The results of this measurement, which are classical bits (0s and 1s), are sent via a traditional channel to the location of the other entangled particle. 
  5. Decoding: The receiving party uses these classical bits to perform an operation on their entangled qubit, effectively reconstructing the original quantum information at a distance. 

Applications for information storage devices:

  • Distributed Quantum Computing: Quantum teleportation allows scientists to “wire together” multiple, distant quantum processors. By pooling their capabilities, they can create larger, more powerful quantum computers that can solve problems neither could solve individually. 
  • Quantum Internet: This breakthrough is a fundamental step toward building a quantum internet, which would rely on teleportation to transmit quantum information reliably and securely over vast distances. 

Important distinction: 

  • This is not the “teleportation” of science fiction, which involves moving matter. Instead, quantum teleportation is about moving quantum information from one place to another.’

My 17th Q. – ‘Can a quantum processor be used to reverse time in order to provide valuable insights into the fundamental nature of time and thermodynamics?’

AI – ‘Yes, a quantum processor can be used to simulate or “reverse” the flow of time within a quantum system, providing insights into time and thermodynamics by observing the temporary decrease of quantum entropy and revealing potential violations of the second law of thermodynamics under controlled quantum conditions. This is not actual time travel but a demonstration of quantum mechanical principles, allowing for experiments that explore the nature of time symmetry and the direction of the arrow of time

How it Works

  1. Preparing a Quantum System: 

Researchers begin by preparing a quantum system, such as a set of qubits, in a known, ordered state. 

  • Evolution and Scrambling: 

The system is then allowed to evolve, naturally becoming more disordered or “scrambled” over time. 

  • Applying a “Rewind” Algorithm: 

A specially designed quantum algorithm is then applied to the system. This algorithm acts like a “rewind button,” effectively inverting the evolution of the qubits. 

  • Return to Previous State: 

The algorithm causes the qubits to return to their original, ordered state, demonstrating a brief, localized reversal of the system’s forward progression. 

Insights into Time and Thermodynamics

This process shows that quantum systems can temporarily experience a decrease in entropy, which is a temporary reversal of the natural increase of disorder that the second law of thermodynamics usually dictates for macroscopic systems. 

The experiments challenge our intuitive understanding of the one-way direction of time, suggesting that at the quantum scale, the rules might be more flexible and time-symmetric than we typically experience. 

  • Thermodynamic Principles: 

By observing these temporal reversals, scientists can probe the fundamental principles governing irreversibility and gain a deeper understanding of the processes that define the forward flow of time. 

Limitations

  • Not Time Travel: 

This is not human time travel; it is a controlled experiment at the particle level. 

The reversal happens within an isolated quantum system but requires an external device to implement the specific algorithm. The second law of thermodynamics still holds for large-scale closed systems.’

My final Q. – ‘Are scientists developing hand held Quantum Processors?’

AI. – ‘Yes, scientists and companies are developing what they call handheld or portable quantum computers, though these are currently limited for educational purposes and use simpler nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Projects like SpinQ’s Gemini Mini are examples of this, making quantum computing more accessible for hands-on learning, while other research aims to create much more powerful, large-scale quantum processors that could eventually be much smaller, potentially fitting into a handheld device. 

Current “Handheld” Quantum Processors

This is a 2-qubit portable quantum computer that uses NMR to function without complex, expensive cryogenic systems. 

  • Educational Focus: 

These devices are designed for education, research, and outreach, providing a more affordable and accessible way to learn about quantum computing concepts. 

  • Simpler Technology: 

They operate at room temperature and utilize NMR technology, which is a different approach from the superconducting qubits used in larger quantum machines. 

Future Potential for Handheld Devices 

  • Scaling Down Complex Systems: 

While current handheld quantum computers are basic, the long-term goal is to shrink powerful, large-scale quantum processors into more compact forms, according to sources like BBC News and Live Science.

  • Breakthroughs in Chip Architecture: 

Companies like Microsoft are developing new chip architectures, such as their Majorana 1, which could allow for significantly more qubits on a single chip, potentially leading to devices that are palm-sized.

  • Transformative Applications: 

The aim is to create quantum computers powerful enough to solve real-world problems that are impossible for today’s supercomputers, such as developing new materials or breaking complex encryption, which could eventually be integrated into handheld devices.’

See also my earlier blog above – ‘What did the symbol of a deity carrying a bag signify in Antiquity?’

Is it possible that these ancient symbols represented hand held devices that were Quantum Processors?