Science
Miguel Alcubierre
Theoretical physicist; spacetime-model author
Who they are
Miguel Alcubierre proposed a general-relativistic geometry often called a warp-drive metric. His 1994 paper describes expansion and contraction of spacetime around a region, while explicitly requiring exotic matter. It is important here as a precisely stated theoretical possibility with demanding physical conditions, not an experimental demonstration that a spacecraft can be built.
He anchors the distinction between speculative propulsion mathematics and demonstrated engineering.
Selected contributions
Selected works
Academic paper · 1994
The warp drive: hyper-fast travel within general relativity
Constructs a spacetime geometry allowing rapid apparent travel through expansion and contraction of space. The paper requires exotic matter; it offers a mathematical scenario, not a demonstrated propulsion device.
Journal article published in 1994; the linked arXiv version was deposited September 5, 2000.
Reading scope & citation
Prior selected paper passages reused; fresh arXiv abstract, journal reference, DOI and deposit history inspected.
DOI: 10.1088/0264-9381/11/5/001
In the timeline
Biography sources
- The warp drive: hyper-fast travel within general relativity ↗Miguel Alcubierre / Classical and Quantum Gravity
- The warp drive: hyper-fast travel within general relativity ↗arXiv; Classical and Quantum Gravity