Chapter 83
"Vacuum zero-point energy?" Deng Chi racked his brains, trying to recall the term. Being a physics major, he had heard of the term before, but didn't know much about it; in his mind, it remained a controversial concept.
“But there is still a theoretical basis to support it,” Ji Zhixing said.
In the public's mind, "vacuum" means nothingness, or that there is nothing at all.
However, from the perspective of quantum theory, if we delve deeper into the levels of molecules, atoms, electrons, and protons, entering the world of the smallest subatomic particles, we find that there is no "absolute vacuum" in the entire world or the entire universe. Every space is filled with particles that randomly enter and disappear, undergoing "quantum fluctuations" that are unobservable to humans.
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle revealed the hypothesis that the energy associated with the phenomenon of "quantum fluctuations" is the zero-point energy of the vacuum. Later, Dutch physicist Hendrik BG Casimir proved the objective existence of the zero-point energy of the vacuum through metal experiments. J. Wheeler estimated from the perspective of quantum field theory that the energy density of the vacuum may be as high as 10¹³ J/cm³.
"In other words, if we can find a way to utilize this vacuum energy!" Ji Zhixing said, picking up a mug from the table, "just one mug of energy would be enough to boil all the oceans on Earth!"
Good heavens, this sounds even more absurd. Zhu Ren looked worriedly at Ji Zhixing, who was already showing signs of a scientific madman. He couldn't imagine that he was surrounded by such a vast and terrifying energy at any time.
These theories sound like they have solid evidence, but aren't scientific theories always overturned by the development of the times?
The geocentric model, which had dominated for over a thousand years, was overthrown by Copernicus' heliocentric model; the theory of the immutability of species was destroyed by Darwin's theory of evolution; Mantovani's theory of Earth's expansion was refuted by Wegener's theory of continental drift... These are stories that even elementary school students have heard.
Even assuming that vacuum zero-point energy truly exists, how difficult would it be to find a way to utilize it? Such an inexhaustible energy source is practically a free lunch. If it were so easy to utilize, why would those Western technologically advanced countries bother to wage the "oil war"?
Zhu Ren was filled with regret. He shouldn't have sent Ji Zhixing to study under Gao Xiao in the first place. What a steady and reliable young man he used to be! After spending some time in that "telekinesis" project team, he picked up Gao Xiao's unreliable attitude.
Deng Yi was the complete opposite of Zhu Ren; he felt that Ji Zhixing's new topic was exactly what he wanted!
However, Deng asked hopefully, "How did you come up with the idea of studying this? Did you make any new discoveries?"
“No, that’s not it.” Ji Zhixing shook his head. “After the photonic chip project was completed, I’ve been thinking about what to do next.”
Cutting-edge chips have long been a weapon used by Western countries to sanction China, but the advent of "Huaxin No. 1" has completely shattered this shackle. However, disputes and confrontations are unlikely to cease, so in which area will Western countries focus their efforts next?
Food? Energy? Ethnicity? Culture? Medicine... there are so many areas worth competing in, but he believes that energy is the most important.
In the technological age, energy is a crucial foundation for a nation's economic growth and social development; it can be considered a country's lifeline. Over the past few decades, the United States, in its quest to control the global energy market, has repeatedly instigated conflicts among major oil-producing countries. In its competition with other nations, it has frequently used energy as a weapon. The currently dominant environmental protection campaign is merely a byproduct of this energy war.
"Do you remember when we were researching low-temperature optical tweezers, and there was a period when we weren't making any progress? You suggested introducing 'anti-gravity' technology back then, and that gave me some ideas about the concept of 'anti-gravity'."
Currently, "anti-gravity" technology exists only in science fiction. However, based on existing scientific theories, "anti-gravity" is a kind of power generated "out of thin air" by utilizing the repulsive force between antiparticles and ordinary particles. So, is its essence simply a kind of vacuum energy?
At that moment, such a thought crossed his mind, but he was more focused on solving the difficulties encountered in the low-temperature optical tweezers experiment and had no room to think about it in depth.
After deciding to make energy his next goal, he remembered this.
Zhu Ren couldn't help but glance at Deng Yi. He and Gao Xiao were old friends, and he had long heard of Deng Yi's reputation—according to Gao Xiao, he had to be clutching a nitroglycerin pill before he dared to review this kid's papers.
As an administrator, Zhu Ren originally did not intend to overstep his bounds and interfere in scientific research matters, but at this moment he couldn't help but speak up:
"Well... there are many forms of energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and even controlled nuclear fusion. And isn't hydrogen energy very popular now? They're all more reliable than vacuum energy!"
“But these have already been studied.” Ji Zhixing counted on his fingers, “Take hydrogen energy as an example. The United States has the Energy Planet Initiative, which is expected to allocate $35 billion; Germany has the National Hydrogen Strategy, which invests more than 8.05 billion euros; Japan has the Vision for a Leading Hydrogen Nation, which allocates 370 billion yen; and South Korea has the National Hydrogen Strategy Guide, which plans to invest 18.5 trillion won—these are at the national level.”
"There are also some traditional energy giants, such as U.S. Steel, Air Liquide, Equinor, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which are increasing their investment in hydrogen energy."
After taking stock, Ji Zhixing shrugged: "What do I have to compete with them? Money, manpower, resources—any one of those can easily defeat me. My only asset is—my brain."
Ji Zhixing smiled, his eyes revealing determination and ambition: "So, I want to take a path less traveled."
China has invested trillions of yuan in energy policy, and research institutions are working intensively on every promising energy type. Therefore, he doesn't need to worry about the overall situation.
So, he could take a risk and switch to a different track; maybe he could overtake them on the curve!
Competing on the same stage as Western powers and still thinking about overtaking them by taking shortcuts? What gives you that confidence? Oh, it's photonic chips. Addicted to overtaking! Zhu Ren thought to himself. However, he had to admit that Ji Zhixing's somewhat audacious vision also stirred a long-dormant sense of ambition within him—he'd already overtaken them once, how could he not do it a second time!
Zhu Ren patted his chest and said, "Don't worry about your research, I'll take good care of things back home."
Deng was even more eager to try, his eyes shining with excitement.
Seeing this, Ji Zhixing smiled and said, "Then let's discuss how to recruit talent."
A note from the author:
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
