Parallel Universes

The idea of parallel universes was popularized on earth in the late 20th century during the rise of quantum mechanics. The idea was presented as an interpretation of making a measurement on a system in a superposition of multiple states. Since the result of the measurement can only be one state, and the system can be proven to have fallen into that one measured state after the measurement, it was theorized that to preserve the information of the initial system multiple other universes must now exist with all of the original states of the wave function now represented in each universe. Thus every quantum measurement of a system is not only possible but does happen, in one universe or another. This interpretation was confirmed in 2370 when, then Lieutenant Commander, Worf encountered a quantum fissure and began shifting through these parallel realities.

In general these different quantum realities are separated from each other by a fundamental quantum phase signature that is unique to each universe, or quantum reality. Under extreme circumstances, two realities can cross creating a quantum fissure, such as the one encountered by Worf. Passing through a quantum fissure will generate a state of quantum flux where the phase signature of the matter in the wrong universe, will begin attempting to change it's resonance pattern to match the new universe. The resulting high energy quantum effects can be enough to push the object from one reality into another.

Subspace Transporters are also known to create a quantum flux within the transported matter due to the prolonged time period in a subspace field. In the case of subspace transporters the relative phase difference is effectively negligible, incapable of generating reality hopping levels of energy; however the effects of the misalignment can be passed into other objects with prolonged contact withing a brief period of time after the transport. The quantum flux effects, as well as the energy requirements of subspace transporter technology forced the Federation to abandon such technology in the mid 24th Century.