Concerning antimatter, the only problem I have is the concept of using it
as a power source. According to one theory of universe creation,
matter/antimatter pairs pop into existence in random intervals,
such that if combined, the mass/antimass of each would sum to zero,
(thus keeping the energy/mass totals in the universe constant).
Keeping with this theory, particle accelerators could be used to generate
matter/antimatter fuel, but no great energy release would be produced
other from the combination. However, there is a potential for power
storage. If the antimatter fuel is energized (or the matter portion
of the fuel), all of the energy would be released into the environment.
I.e. all of the energy used to raise the energy levels in the atoms
annihilated would be available. 5 Mw-days could be released as
7200 Mw for a duration of one minute. In this system, advanced tech
levels would still use fusion or other power sources to energize the
fuel.
Of course, antimatter would still be usable for a weapon. Releasing all
of the energy stored in your enemy's hull will still release alot
of damaging power.
BTW: Does anyone have the robotics book, and a willingness to help
someone who cannot get ahold of it with some chart information?
- --Brad Vender (MT ref. in need of robotics)