Zero Point Module

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(Redirected from ZPM)

A Zero Point Module, abbreviated ZPM, is a power source device in the fictional Stargate universe.

1 Definition
2 ZPMs on Stargate Series
3 Project Arcturus
4 Also see
5 Key Episodes
6 External Links

Definition

A ZPM is capable of generating immense amounts of energy by utilizing zero point energy, which derives from a phenomenon known as the quantum foam, also known as vacuum energy. Zero point energy is the energy that remains in a system when all other types of energy have been removed. A ZPM contains an artificially created region of subspace, from which this power is drawn. Since this process is thermodynamically irreversible, every ZPM will eventually become depleted and no longer able to provide power.

ZPMs on Stargate Series

In Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, ZPM technology was created by the Ancients. The devices are extremely rare— so far, only a dozen ZPMs have been discovered by SG or Atlantis teams. Their purpose was apparently unknown until recently, even to the Goa'uld, who have been scavenging Ancient technology for millennia. No explanation for the apparent rarity of ZPMs has yet been given, although it is known that near the end of their war with the Wraith, the Ancients attempted to create a more powerful system.

Atlantis was designed to be powered by three ZPMs simultaneously, although most of Atlantis's technology, such as the shield, can function with only one ZPM.

ZPMs have been found necessary to power the Ancient Drone Weapon platforms in Antarctica.

Project Arcturus

Project Arcturus was an Ancient experiment in energy production. The goal of the project was to create a Zero Point Energy technology that would produce even greater, unlimited amounts power by extracting it from this universe rather than a contained region of subspace. The project failed and the Ancients continued to depend on ZPMs.