Warp Drive On A Chip? Former Lockheed Skunk Works RevTech Program head Charles Chase discusses diode-based propellantless space drives, ZPE generators, nanotech machining & antimatter shielding at the UnLAB, a non-profit focused on advanced technologies. Chase, a former Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Senior Tech Fellow, discusses The Unlab’s groundbreaking research, funded by organizations like DARPA and the Office of Naval Research.

Our discussion begins with a focus on the development of a new type of propulsion based on the motive forces predicted to be generated from the interaction between vacuum fluctuations and asymmetric potentials found in Resonant Tunneling Diodes. Development would fundamentally change space propulsion since it operates without propellant with infinite ISP, and the total impulse is only limited by the lifetime of the device. We also discuss the work of Drs. Harold “Sonny” White and Garret Moddel using the Casimir effect to harness zero-point energy, as well as Chase’ work on a coherent matter wave generator, a “particle laser” with applications in atomic-scale additive manufacturing and the creation of novel materials, including potentially stable superheavy elements.

Chase retired from Lockheed Martin in 2018 as a Senior Tech Fellow, a distinction reserved for the top 0.1% of technical talent in the corporation. His experience includes over 32 years at Lockheed Martin in aerospace systems R&D, including over 25 years at the prestigious Skunk Works division, where he built & led world class multi-disciplinary teams responsible for the conception, development, and market transition of transformative technologies. After retirement, Chase co-founded the UnLAB, where he has continued developing breakthrough technologies, including executing research grants for DARPA/DSO, Office of Naval Research, NSF, and the Limitless Space Institute, collaborating with Stanford, Princeton, UCLA, and Technion among many others.

From Stealth Fighters to Saving the Planet: The Unlab’s Genesis

Chase’s time at Skunk Works was marked by leading revolutionary technology programs, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible. However, he and his partner felt a pull towards projects with a broader, less profit-driven impact. This desire led to the creation of The Unlab, an organization that embraces fundamental research in energy and physics, fosters collaborative fellowships, and champions humanistic goals. While The Unlab still receives funding from sources like DARPA and the Office of Naval Research, its focus extends far beyond the constraints of traditional defense contracting. (00:05:00)

Propellantless Propulsion: Defying the Laws of Physics?

One of The Unlab’s most ambitious projects tackles the controversial field of propellantless propulsion. Chase, who has dedicated 20 years to this research, explains their approach: leveraging the asymmetry of nanostructures and resonant tunneling diodes to generate forces akin to, but significantly larger than, the Casimir effect. This work, supported by an NSF grant, draws parallels to research by Dr. Charles Bueller and others, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible within the constraints of known physics. (00:08:00)

Unlocking the Secrets of Vacuum Energy

The Unlab’s research isn’t confined to propulsion. They are actively exploring the potential of vacuum energy, a field currently experiencing a surge in interest. Chase’s work, which includes collaborations with renowned figures like Drs. Harold Sunny White and Garrett Modell, focuses on harnessing the energy inherent in the vacuum of space. While the challenges are immense – the discrepancy between theoretical predictions and observed cosmological constant remains a significant hurdle – the potential rewards are equally staggering. (00:12:00)

Miniaturizing Miracles: From Lab to Chip

The Unlab’s approach to vacuum energy research is marked by a focus on miniaturization. Their system, built on silicon wafers using arrays of diodes, is designed for scalability. The initial application is space propulsion, but the long-term vision encompasses terrestrial energy generation, creating self-powered devices. This ambitious goal hinges on a deeper understanding of vacuum interaction and the assumption that the universe operates as an open system. (00:17:00)

Beyond Vacuum Energy: The Coherent Matter Wave Generator

The Unlab’s innovation extends beyond vacuum energy. Chase’s 2016 patent, co-authored with Dr. Mo Arman, describes a coherent matter wave generator – essentially a “particle laser” – capable of atomic-scale additive manufacturing with unprecedented precision (0.2nm). This technology, which utilizes the Harnoff bomb effect to overcome the Pauli exclusion principle, opens doors to revolutionary new materials and manufacturing processes. (00:22:00)

The Future is Now: Joining The Unlab’s Mission

The Unlab’s work represents the cutting edge of scientific and technological advancement. Their research, encompassing propellantless propulsion, vacuum energy harvesting, and coherent matter wave generation, has the potential to reshape our world. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, The Unlab welcomes your involvement. They are actively seeking new ideas and resources from individuals interested in the intersection of energetic ideas, science, and engineering. (00:27:00)

Further Exploration:

• Watch Charles Chase’s 2022 presentation on vacuum energy for a detailed overview of his work.
• Learn more about Paul Thibodeau’s groundbreaking research on graphene energy conversion.

The Unlab’s journey is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the unwavering pursuit of scientific discovery. Their work promises a future filled with transformative technologies, and their open invitation to collaboration ensures that this future is built collaboratively.