Replicator (Star Trek)
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In the fictional Star Trek universe, a replicator is a machine capable of converting energy into matter and vice-versa.
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Origins and limitations
As originally created for Star Trek: The Next Generation, replicators were first shown in the 24th century, being nonexistent on Star Trek: The Original Series, which is set in the 23rd century. The history of the device has been retconned since by Star Trek: Enterprise, showing a similar device as early as the 22nd century.
A replicator can create any inanimate matter, as long as the desired molecular structure is on file, but it cannot create antimatter, dilithium, or a living organism of any kind.
Theory
Theoretically, it works by rearranging subatomic particles, which are abundant anywhere in the universe, to form the molecules required by the formula at hand. The device then arranges the molecules in accordance with said formula to finally create the substance (e.g., to materialize water, the replicator would first form hydrogen and oxygen molecules in immense quantities, and then arrange them according to the chemical formula of water). The difficulty lies in that the number of calculations that a computer would have to perform in order to accomplish that is astounding, and at the rate of development of the computer industry, it is highly unlikely that even a 24th century computer would be capable of it (a similar difficulty concerns Transporter technology).
More specifically, the replicator works by the destructive conversion of bulk matter into energy, then reforming it into a pre-scanned matter pattern. The principle is similar to that of a transporter but on a smaller scale. Unlike those, however, which duplicate a matter pattern at the quantum level in real time, replicators must be capable of delivering any of thousands of different materials on demand. If patterns were to be stored at the quantum level, an impossible amount of data storage (or a set of original copies of the materials) would be required. To resolve this, patterns are stored in memory at a molecular level.
A drawback to this process is that it is impossible to replicate objects with complicated quantum structures such as living beings, dilithium, or latinum. Additionally, read/write errors cause a number of single-bit errors to occur in replicated materials. Though usually undetectable to human senses, careful scanning can reveal discrepancies, and occasionally, a non-toxic material may become toxic when replicated.
Uses
One of the most important pieces of technology in the Star Trek universe, its primary use is food and water replication onboard starships, thus eliminating the necessity of stocking most provisions. On Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the creators of the show finally established that replication is also used for renewing breathable air on ships and starbases (supposedly also disassembling the carbon dioxide exhaled by the crew), thus eliminating the necessity of air tanks and providing an endless supply of oxygen.
The technology is also used for producing spare parts in case of need, which makes it possible to repair most damage that might be inflicted on starships without the necessity of returning to a starbase and delaying missions.
While the replicator is depended upon for day to day use, starships, starbases, and other installations do stock some provisions for emergency use, in case of replicator failure or in case of an energy crisis.
Further applications include replication of Starfleet uniforms and everyday objects, such as toys and souvenirs. Replication is also a key part of the Holodeck program, so that food, clothes and other objects belonging to a simulation can actually be used or consumed by the participants.
Starfleet's Safety Protocols prevent any unauthorized replication of dangerous objects such as weapons and poisonous substances. Replication of any medicine is restricted to medical personnel bearing a valid identification code.
As it was mentioned above, replicators can also convert matter into energy. Following that principle, any object can be dismantled back into subatomic particles by a replicator, which would then be capable of either storing the ensuing energy for future use or immediately applying it in a subsequent replication. This process is referred to in the shows as "recycling" (objects into the replicator), and is applied to anything from dirty dishes after every meal to children's clothes that have been outgrown by their owners (in this case, which has been mentioned a number of times in several episodes, the replicator uses the energy to produce new items that will fit the child). Although no direct mention has been made to certain aspects of the applications for the technology, it would stand to reason to assume that this process is also used to dispose of garbage and sewage on both ships and starbases, thus creating a cycle of energy conservation. It would also be a valid assumption that Starfleet's Safety Protocols would prevent a clumsy crewman from accidentally disintegrating his own hand in the replicator, unless this should be used as a plot device.
Technology to die for
Image:Janewayreplicator.jpg When the USS Voyager was pulled to the Delta Quadrant, it became clear that replicator technology was unknown to the indigenous peoples of that region. Throughout the first series, the Kazon repeatedly tried to obtain this technology, as did other races. Captain Janeway feared that if this technology were acquired by a civilization before they were ready, disastrous consequences could ensue. For this reason, and because of the Prime Directive, Janeway refused to give away this technology at any price.
Also on Voyager, the ship's energy constraints on the journey back to the Alpha Quadrant meant that replicator supplies had to be strictly controlled, leading to "replicator rations" becoming an unofficial ship currency.