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Speed Of Light Broken With Off Shelf Components

Posted by Hemos on from the breaking-the-limits dept.

jukal writes "An interesting article at NewScientist.com: " Now physicists at Middle Tennessee State University have broken that speed limit over distances of nearly 120 metres, using off-the-shelf equipment costing just $500.", " it may be possible to use this reflection technique to boost electrical signal speeds in computers and telecommunications grids by more than 50 per cent. Electrons usually travel at about two-thirds of light speed in wires, slowed down as they bump into atoms. Hache says it may be possible to send usable electrical signals to near light speed. ""

11 of 468 comments (clear)

  1. i wholehearteddly believe this by krog · · Score: 4, Funny

    anyone selling a bridge?

    --
    Cretin - a powerful and flexible CD reencoder
  2. 186,000 miles per second by sulli · · Score: 5, Funny

    it's not just a good idea, it's the law!

    --

    sulli
    RTFJ.
    1. Re:186,000 miles per second by netsharc · · Score: 5, Funny

      Define "one second". :)

      The time taken for light to travel 1 / 299792458 metre?

      --
      What time is it/will be over there? Check with my iPhone app!
    2. Re:186,000 miles per second by Dirtside · · Score: 5, Funny
      it's not just a good idea, it's the law!*
      Actual mileage may vary.
      --
      "Destroy science and religion. Science would re-emerge exactly the same; but not religion." - Penn Jillette, paraphrased
  3. First Post at Light Speed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ack! I bet by the time I hit submit, some other guy using electrons travelling faster than light will have beaten me to first post!

    Damn you technology!

  4. I did this years ago by briglass · · Score: 4, Funny

    Using onion skins, sixty-four removed coke labels and an ampersand.

    --

    ----
    "Those who quote others are more likely to one day be quoted" -Tom Planter
    1. Re:I did this years ago by laserjet · · Score: 4, Funny

      In my day, we didn't have ampersands. We had to print out the letter S, cut it out, paste it upside-down, and draw a line through it to speed up those damn atoms. And even then, it only worked on Tuesdays. You have it lucky, I'll tell you.

      --
      Moon Macrosystems. Sun's biggest competitor.
  5. Related Stories by RedWolves2 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Did you see the related stories associated with this article?

    Related Stories

    Black hole theory suggests light is slowing
    8 August 2002

    Light may have speeded up
    15 August 2001

    So which is it light is speeding up or slowing down???

  6. sensible weights and measures by spongman · · Score: 5, Funny

    c ~ 1802617528320.3 furlongs/fortnight

  7. Ludicrous speed! by McFly69 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sandurz: Prepare for light speed.
    Helmet: No, no, light speed is too slow.
    Sandurz: Light speed too slow?
    Helmet: Yes, we'll have to go right to...Ludicrous speed!
    Sandurz:Ludicrous speed! Sir, we've never gone that fast before. I
    don't think the ship can take it.
    Helmet: What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz...CHICKEN?!

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    NO! NO! Please don't mod me, I'm too young to die a troll. *click* Oh the pain, the pain...
  8. New slashdot tagline by ucblockhead · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Slashdot! We don't suck any worse than the traditional media!"

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