Ylem

The origin and purpose of ylem is unknown, but it is used extensively by nearbaselines and transapients as a self-replicating building material, particularly in high-energy environments.

The gross physical structure of ylem is that of a heavy fabric, with the approximate thickness, strength and weight of nylon tent cloth. It has a density of about 1.1 grams per cubic centimetre, and a square metre of the substance weighs a kilogram. It is waterproof (although permeable to gases), and the colour is absolute black, since it absorbs any photons it receives. It is impossible, for instance, to tell at a distance whether a piece of ylem is wrinkled smooth, flat or curved. The micro and atomic structures of the material defy analysis. Great care and specialised tools must be employed when handling ylem, as its surface temperature averages just a few degrees above absolute zero. Ylem can be cut or torn much like nylon fabric and ceases to function if reduced to less then one square centimetre in size. Extreme stresses, such as tidal forces near a black hole, or the turbulence inside a star, will result in the rapid fragmentation and eventual destruction of ylem. High levels of particle flux can also degrade and destroy the material.

Ylem uses an unknown method of energy to matter conversion to instantly convert any radiant electromagnetic energy that strikes it into more ylem. Conversion takes place at nuclear reaction speeds and appears to be 100% efficient in strict accordance with E=mc². The conversion reaction extends the surface area of the ylem fabric, which increases the area that can convert energy in an exponential process. However, under normal energy conditions, only minuscule increases in ylem area or volume occur, due to the tremendous amount of energy required to produce even a tiny increase in mass.

Despite its tremendous resilience to incoming energy, ylem does have limitations. A given piece of ylem cannot more than double its mass in less than one microsecond (this means that a given square metre of ylem can absorb and convert power in the zettawatt range: up to 9 times 10 to the 19th watts). If the rate of incoming energy is greater then this, the excess energy is re-radiated across the entire available surface of the ylem. This process is itself limited to energy levels equivalent to approximately ten times the ylem's maximum growth rate. Beyond that point the material ceases to function and is rapidly destroyed by the incoming energy. As may be imagined, such circumstances are rare.

If more ylem is desired, it may be "manufactured" in close proximity to high-energy environments where growth can occur at high speed. Extremely bright stars, pulsar manufacturing clusters and deep well industrial zones are all preferred ylem production sites. Also, under some circumstances and in some areas modified GUT drives have been used to produce ylem in quantity and at high speed.

The exact origin of ylem is unknown, but it is believed to be a godtech material of either S5 or S6 origin. Lower S-level beings claim to have no more comprehension or ability in regards to ylem properties or manufacture than do ordinary sapients. Higher-level minds have mostly ignored inquiries regarding the material, and when they have deigned to respond, their answers have been vague and contradictory.

Ylem is often layered between sheets of other materials to provide increased control. The material can be cut or torn with relative ease, although no apparent roughness or threads appear at its edges when this occurs. If two pieces of ylem are held together and exposed to radiant energy they fuse smoothly along their mutual edges and then continue to grow along the outer edge of the new combined piece. In the event that ylem is placed in an environment where it is receiving energy but has no room to grow, (that is, it is encased in a solid) the ylem will increase in density to approximately three times its normal value and then cease to function. If it is later freed from surrounding material it will immediately triple its surface area and continue to grow as the energy flux permits.

Ylem composites can be used for a variety of purposes. These include:
    1) Radiation shielding: Ylem absorbs all forms of electromagnetic
        radiation in any quantity.
    2) Jamming of radio wave communications within a limited area.
    3) Thermal insulation: No amount of radiant heat can pass through an ylem
        covered container or hull layer.

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this work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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