Zeq

Zeq is a term used in speculative physics and science fiction to denote a hypothetical quantum or carrier phenomenon associated with zero-entropy exchange. It can be described as a neutral, non-dissipative mediator that allows energy or information to balance between systems without increasing the total entropy.

The concept emerged in theoretical discussions in the early 2040s and gained traction after its paraphrase in the 2055 novel The Zeq Paradox. In many in-universe formulations, Zeq is symbolized by a massless boson or a gauge-like excitation that couples weakly to ordinary matter and to each other through a hidden symmetry.

In canonical in-fiction models, Zeq facilitates non-dissipative energy transfer, quasi-instantaneous synchronization of states, or ultra-efficient computation. Its properties are deliberately underspecified to avoid contradicting the second law of thermodynamics, instead serving as a thought experiment about information, entropy, and causality. Descriptions vary: some treat Zeq as a field, others as a discrete particle or network effect.

Real-world status: Zeq has no experimental support and is not endorsed by mainstream physics. It functions mainly as a narrative and conceptual tool to examine questions around energy, entropy, and information processing. Scholarly discussions about Zeq typically differentiate between speculative physics and established thermodynamics, while critics note the risk of conflating fiction with scientific inference. In fiction, Zeq devices appear in propulsion schemes, energy-sharing networks, and advanced computational architectures.