Trepid to dive into the esoteric- the quantum leap refers to the ‘jump’ of an electron in orbit from
one energy level to another. These levels have fixed, discrete values. Electrons do not exist in any
intervening energy states.
In essence, the electrons are teleported from one state to another!
From the Infinitesimal to the Infinite
We have now accepted time as the fourth dimension, and have moved from talking of simply
‘space’ to discussing the slightly trickier ‘spacetime’. Being accustomed to only three physical dimensions, the concept of spacetime is abstruse, especially when one attempts to envision its physical appearance. This perhaps contributes to the difficulty in making teleportation possible; because, in theory, spacetime allows for it!
Wormholes- hypothetical ‘bridges’ in space- are structures
that connect different places in spacetime. The connected
places may be billions of light-years away. The popular depiction of a wormhole is similar to a tube- however, in theory, a wormhole would not require ‘travel’.
Unfortunately, the existence of wormholes hasn’t been evidenced; and even if it were, there are various problems that
have been predicted in their potential use for teleportation.
All Aboard the Heart of Gold… Maybe
Theoretically, both quantum and classical physics allow for
phenomena very similar to teleportation. Scientists execrate and exalt the Unified Field Theory, which seeks to
combine the two- as of now dismally dissonant- fields in
physics. This integration will likely eventuate in among, of course, numerous others- the practical
possibility of teleportation.
However, we haven’t yet succeeded in establishing this theory, though stalwarts like Einstein and
Hawking have pondered perplexedly.
We seem fated to take such disagreeable modes of transport as cars while Arthur Dent and his
motely band aboard the Heart of Gold use the Infinite Improbability Drive to instantaneously zap
from Betelgeuse to The Restaurant at the End of the Universe- at least in the foreseeable future. I,
however, will keep my towel ready in anticipation- will you?