Slipspace Theory
Slipspace is a form of ‘Hypospace’ or ‘Infraspace’, a zero-dimensional construct.
Per Angel’s description in book 1:
“Slipspace is a transitional area in the D3-brane, linking fourth dimensional and seventh dimensional space, a theoretical mathematical concept developed to solve inconsistencies in the unified multi-dimensional M-theory model. Research using advanced high-energy exa-electron volt particle accelerator experiments proved the existence of slipspace, and it was discovered that free travelling particle waves could exceed the theoretical constraint in information propagation speeds as determined by the general and special theories of relativity. It became an important advance in the field of light-year scale communications. Further experimentation using the space for moving physical bodies, however, was mostly unsuccessful due to the extremely stochastic structure of slipspace compared to normal space.”
In 25th century science, Slipspace is officially regarded as the Infradimensional Omnibrane Theory. Slipspace was a nickname given by researchers referring to its character of sitting neatly sandwiched between the various dimensional frameworks of the universe and the discovery that particles can transition (‘slip’) through this structure. Following advances in theoretical physics, culminated by the evolution of particle accelerators, a radical new theory was developed regarding the ‘quantum’ nature of particles to instantly transition states. This theory was cemented after the first successful experiment at the Saturn Alpha One Exa-Electron-Volt Orbital L-point Accelerator (SAOEEVOLA). Following this, a whole new field of physics was opened, leading to the development of Quantum Entangled Hypercubic Fields (QEHF) and Slipspace (SS) comms technology.
Slipspace Communications (SS Comms)
Communications using Slipspace are instantaneous to anywhere in the known and unknown universe, with limitless bandwidth and zero latency while using an infinitesimally small amount of energy. Slipspace links are established through a process known as quantum-slipspace particle entanglement (Quantum Entanglement Link), creating a unique pair of transceiver particles with a unique entanglement-address. Due to the nature of slipspace, links can only ever be established in a single duplex mode between only two transceivers, making said links perfectly secure. Links can be permanently severed by destruction of the entangled particles, therefore the entanglement address can never be reused, and a new one must be established. There are theoretically a limitless number of entanglement address combinations.
SS Comms technology was key to the expansion and dominance of the United Systems, keeping the citizens of their vast empire spread out over thousands of light years connected like they were right next to each other. Modern day UniSys uses a combination of slipspace, quantum-microgravity wave interference devices, traditional micro- and nano-wave radio, and optical based communications systems.
Slipspace Travel
Ultimately, the theory and science were further developed until the shock discovery that matter itself, both organic and inorganic, could transition the Omnibrane. While excitement grew for its potential to make teleporter technology a reality, this was quelled as further research could not resolve three major issues: Firstly, Quantum Entanglement Links (QEL’s) only worked for single pairs of entangled particles (when encapsulated in hypercubic fields, forming the basis of SS Comms) and therefore there was no practical way of ‘translating’ matter through slipspace (essentially any matter pushed into SS within a hypercubic field would just reappear again in the same place almost instantly). The second issue, more importantly, is that any organic neural material is decimated, eliminating the ability of any intelligent life to survive the process. Finally, any instrument sent into slipspace is unable to make any meaningful measurements (the noise is computationally unresolvable) and effectively becomes blind.
Slipspace Disruption Device (SSDD)
SSDD’s are military devices that create a type of quantum-gravity wave that interferes with the quantum-entangled particles used to create links in slipspace. The interference is temporary, and the particles return to the normal state once this interference is removed. SSDD’s don’t do anything to slipspace directly, their ability to disrupt slipspace links makes them a key strategic tool during wartime to disrupt enemy communications networks. UniSys has a strong Boots-On-The-Ground policy, being very careful with any reliance on anything dependent on slipspace communications such as andrones. Starfyre class ships such as Angelfyre are impervious to SSDD attacks (when the pilot is inside the craft), as the link between pilot and ship’s SI core is critical for accomplishing its mission objectives.