JaXanim wrote:
This happens with sub-atomic particles (electrons, etc) right now. Electrons easily move from inner to outer 'orbits' around the atomic nucleus, but they do not 'move' between these orbits. They are either at A or B but never between. They are powered by quantum energy, energy packets of specific size, no more no less. This is gained or lost by the electrons through thermodynamic changes within their parent system.
The way I remember my QM lessons was that they have a certain probability to be anywhere they want, with the biggest values centered on A and B. It isn't that they are 'never in between'---the likelihood of seeing an electron 'in between' is just very, very small.
In that far, far distant future, I see no reason why the particles which make up our atoms cannot be 'moved' from A to B by applying Terajoules of quantum energy in some form of 'Brundle cage'.
Quantum decoherence of macroscopic systems is most likely going to prevent that. And I don't think a terajoule would be suffiencent :-). In any case, if you want a nice story where the above principle is applied---although the quality of the tale drops off in the final part---read Dan Symmons' 'Hyperion' saga.
