Holtzman effect
the science of shields and foldspace
The Holtzman effect was a scientific theory concerning the repellent force of subatomic particles. From it sprang the defensive shield, the suspensor, the glowglobe, and above all the folding of space that made instantaneous travel across the universe possible.
The Holtzman effect was a scientific theory relating to the repellent force of subatomic particles, part of a branch of discoveries in physics that bore the root name Holtzman. Its consequences ran through the whole history of the Imperium and proved the catalyst for rapid technological development in several areas, including the defensive shield, the suspensor, the glowglobe, and the folding of space that underpinned travel by the Spacing Guild. (Dune; Heretics of Dune)
The theory#
The Holtzman effect concerned the repellent force of subatomic particles and formed part of a broader branch of physics bearing the root name Holtzman. It served as the catalyst for rapid technological advance in several distinct fields. (Dune)
Shields#
The effect allowed the creation of a defensive shield that repelled most fast-moving projectiles while admitting slower objects, such as a hand-held knife. This changed the nature of warfare. Conventional projectile weapons became mostly useless, while laser weapons grew incredibly dangerous, and the combination forced humanity back to the use of hand weapons. (Dune)
Suspensors and glowglobes#
The repellent property of the effect allowed physical objects fitted with a Holtzman field generator to defy gravity, a technology known as the suspensor. Another practical application was the glowglobe, a light usually self-powered by organic batteries that floated by means of a small Holtzman field suspensor generator. (Dune)
Foldspace#
Probably the most far-reaching application of the Holtzman effect was its ability to fold space and time, allowing for instantaneous travel from one side of the universe to the other. The Guild's ships crossed the universe this way, and in the time of Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune the same Holtzman principles drove the Ixian navigation machines and the no-ships. (Dune; Heretics of Dune; Chapterhouse: Dune)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Holtzman effect?
- The Holtzman effect was a scientific theory relating to the repellent force of subatomic particles, part of a broader branch of physics bearing the root name Holtzman. Its influence ran through the whole history of the Imperium.
- What technologies came from the Holtzman effect?
- The effect was the catalyst for the defensive shield, the suspensor, the glowglobe, and the folding of space that underpinned travel by the Spacing Guild.
- How did the Holtzman effect change warfare?
- It allowed a defensive shield that repelled most fast-moving projectiles while admitting slower objects such as a hand-held knife. Conventional projectile weapons became mostly useless and laser weapons grew incredibly dangerous, which forced humanity back to the use of hand weapons.
- How did the Holtzman effect make space travel possible?
- Its most far-reaching application was the ability to fold space and time, allowing instantaneous travel from one side of the universe to the other.
- What are suspensors and glowglobes?
- The suspensor was a technology that let objects fitted with a Holtzman field generator defy gravity. The glowglobe was a light, usually self-powered by organic batteries, that floated by means of a small Holtzman field suspensor generator.
Sources
- BookDune, Frank Herbert, 1965
- BookHeretics of Dune, Frank Herbert, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1984
- BookChapterhouse: Dune, Frank Herbert, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1985
Spotted a factual error or a primary source we missed? Email a correction. Every flagged claim gets reviewed.
Followed from this entry
Shield
The shield was a protective energy field generated by Holtzman technology that surrounded its wearer and admitted only objects moving below a set velocity. Its ubiquity drove the Imperium back to blade combat, while its reaction to lasgun fire made directed energy weapons too dangerous to use.
Suspensor
Suspensors were hovering devices that used the secondary phase of a Holtzman field generator to nullify gravity within limits set by mass and energy use. They buoyed everything from glowglobes and furniture to the bulk of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.
Spacing Guild: the monopoly on space travel
Its Navigators took spice until prescience let them fold space, and nothing crossed the stars without them. That monopoly held the Imperium up.
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Shield
The shield was a protective energy field generated by Holtzman technology that surrounded its wearer and admitted only objects moving below a set velocity. Its ubiquity drove the Imperium back to blade combat, while its reaction to lasgun fire made directed energy weapons too dangerous to use.
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