Star Trekis one of the longest-running science fiction franchises in popular culture. One of the benefits of going on forever is the ability to consistently dig deeper into the fundamental ideas that underpin the series. Science fiction can introduce a piece of technology and move on, but as the show goes on, it can assess its initial suggestions and refine those concepts into something more engaging. TakeStar Trek’s holographic technology. It used to be little more than a light show, but some have managed to make photonic organisms that act just like tangible life.
TheStar Trekfranchiseis full of rulesthat govern how the main characters interact with the surrounding galaxy. They’re obliged to maintain peaceful relationships with almost everything they find. The regulations ensure a reasonable standard of decency for everyone wearing a Starfleet logo. Though these standards and practices generally seem well-reasoned, there are some issues on which the Federation can’t be perfect yet.
How doesStar Trek’s hologram technology work?
Holograms are complex visual tricks of light, force fields, and electromagnetic manipulation. They come from holoemitters, which typically have to line every wall, ceiling, and floor in the rooms holograms intend to operate in. Holodecks are walled-off rooms with emitters in every nook and cranny, ensuringa fully-realized holographic environment. Holograms can have physical presences, thanks to a substance called holomatter. The machine that projects and maintains hologram projections is called a holomatrix. It contains an absurd amount of data and functions like an artificial intelligence system. At any given time, the holoemitters maneuver force fields and electromagnetic containment phenomena to grant a hologram physical presence. Many holograms can interact with physical items and maintain lifelike behavior.
The holomatrix governs the basic characteristics of a hologram, such as its physical appearance and outward personality. It also establishes their jobs. Most holograms exist to handle the kinds of menial labor that no one else wants to do. Countless holograms work againsttheir will as miners. Many can turn themselves on or off. They rarely work long hours, but they do often do difficult jobs without any other enjoyable life experiences. The computers that execute the holomatrix’s commands can be extremely complex. With enough work, they can create artificial life that exhibits inarguable sapience.
Can hologram beings become self-aware?
Holograms can often become complex enough to act as sentient beings. Photonic lifeforms—that’s any light-based organism—often attain or develop higher-level personalities, feelings, and emotional circumstances. Several inventors have created advanced artificial photonic lifeforms. One fascinating example would beThe Next Generation’s James Moriarty. TheEnterprise’s computer took inspiration from the classicSherlock Holmesantagonist to create a nemesis that could potentially outwit Data. Moriarty became a consistent threat, taking control of the ship twice.Deep Space 9introduced Vic Fontaine, a Vegas-style lounge singer who also happens to be a self-aware hologram. Vic was programmed with a sharp understanding of the human condition and an easygoing charm. He was one of the most trustworthy sources of advice, especially on matters of romance. Vic could turn himself on and off at will. He could even transfer his consciousness to another hologram simulation, escaping the programmed reality his creator designed him for.Vic is a fascinating leapforward in hologram technology, and he seems to be just as alive as everyone else.
Dr. Lewis Zimmerman became the most accomplished holo-engineer of his era thanks to his work on sentient holograms. Zimmerman’s goal was to create the finest medical resource known to humanity. He devisedthe Emergency Medical Hologram, or EMH. His EMHs flare to life when they’re needed, but that requirement can have them around for long periods. Every EMH is capable of learning and growing as they go about their duties. The most well-known EMH became known as the Doctor. He served as the chief medical officer on theVoyagerwhen it needed someone in that role. The Doctor is a person, just as much as any other crew member aboard theVoyager. He learns new hobbies, develops deep relationships, and evolves as an emotional being during his time on the ship. He’s the most in-depth example of the show taking photonic beings seriously, doing for holograms what Data did for androids.The Doctor became oneof the most prominent photonic rights advocates, starting a path toward liberation for those with free will.
Hologram beings are one of several artificial life forms that deserve the right to do as they want. Organic beings program the consciousness that becomes their holograms. As is often the case,people invented something theycould use to do all of their work for them, but they got too smart to want to live as slaves. This is the same issue they face with androids, but with the added concern of many examples being non-corporeal. The Doctor is right. Photonics deserve lives too.
