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'''Quantum-locking''' was a defence mechanism used by the [[Weeping Angel]]s. When [[Observer Effect|observed]] by any living creature (even other Weeping Angels), the Weeping Angels turned to [[rock|stone]], making them resistant to harm. When they weren't being observed, the Weeping Angels could move. Weeping Angels could also turn to stone at will, or when they believed they were being observed. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'') However, if the Weeping Angels stared at each other ([[TV]]: ''[[Blink (TV story)|Blink]]'') or at a reflection of themselves ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[The Mirrored Room (short story)|The Mirrored Room]]'') they would turn to stone permanently, leaving them trapped until they died from starvation.
'''Quantum-locking''' is a feature gained by species through [[evolution]]. The only known species to evolve this ability were the [[Weeping Angel]]s.


If a creature is quantum-locked, then they are turned to stone whenever they are observed. However, if the observer turns away, blinks or stops observing them in any way, the creature can move for the time until the observation resumes. This is used as a defence system. Between observations, Weeping Angels would attempt to attack. The Doctor said that 'You can't kill stone,' this is highlighting that quantum-locking is one of the most perfect manners of self-defence.
Others species were also capable of quantum-locking. The [[Medusa (Gaze of the Medusa)|Medusa]] used it to leave people frozen in time, in order to feed on their life energy. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Gaze of the Medusa (comic story)|Gaze of the Medusa]]'') Furthermore, the [[Mouri]] in the [[Temple of Atropos]] were said to have been quantum locked, and only appeared once someone was in close proximity to them. The temple was also redesigned so as to prevent the seal from recognising [[Swarm (The Halloween Apocalypse)|Swarm]] and [[Azure (The Halloween Apocalypse)|Azure]], thereby preventing the Mouri from appearing when they alone were near. ([[TV]]: ''[[War of the Sontarans (TV story)|War of the Sontarans]]'')


If two creatures are quantum-locked and are facing each other, they must be careful to cover their eyes before they are turned to stone. If they don't, they risk looking at each other, and being that they are both being observed by the other, they would be trapped in stone form. ([[DW]]: ''[[Blink]]'')
== Behind the scenes ==
The quantum-locking mechanism is similar to the so-called {{w|quantum Zeno effect}}, a situation in [[quantum mechanics]] in which an unstable [[particle]], if "observed" continuously, will never decay forming another particle. For example, the observation can "freeze" an unstable [[atomic nucleus]], preventing the emission of particles or radiation. In other words, a [[uranium]] [[atom]] can decay only when not being measured or interacted with.


It is at one point comically remarked by [[Larry Nightingale]] that one could "chisel their heads off" when in stone-form. Whether this would work or not is unknown, but one can imagine that the being, once in living-form again, would end up dead and headless. This also brings up the idea of whether or not blood would turn to stone when looked at, but once again it seems almost obvious that it would. During [[The Time of Angels]], one of the Church soldiers fired upon an Angel in stone form. It is unknown whether or not this harmed the Angel, or what happened to it later, though it did cause damage to the stone itself. Whether this affects its living state or not is unknown, as the specific Angel is not seen again. In The time of Angels, the weeping angels moved when observing Amy in stone form. This implies that the living form is infact just an un-quantum locked stone angel. In these episodes, the angels regenerated from a weak form which may impliy that chizzling the head of would have no major effects.
In the webcast ''[[Stealing Series 9 Scripts (webcast)|Stealing Series 9 Scripts]]'', the in-universe counterpart of [[Christel Dee]] is able to use a [[sonic screwdriver]] to quantum-lock a [[lava]] [[pool]] which served as one of the defence systems on [[Steven Moffat]]'s "secret writing lair" below [[221B Baker Street]]. However, the webcast is not considered [[Tardis:Valid sources|a valid source]] on this Wiki due to its somewhat parodical nature and its free-form blending of in- and out-of-universe elements.
[[Category: Theories and concepts]]
 
[[it:Blocco quantistico]]
[[Category:Concepts]]
[[Category:Weeping Angels]]

Latest revision as of 09:30, 12 December 2021

Quantum-locking was a defence mechanism used by the Weeping Angels. When observed by any living creature (even other Weeping Angels), the Weeping Angels turned to stone, making them resistant to harm. When they weren't being observed, the Weeping Angels could move. Weeping Angels could also turn to stone at will, or when they believed they were being observed. (TV: Flesh and Stone) However, if the Weeping Angels stared at each other (TV: Blink) or at a reflection of themselves (TV: The Time of the Doctor, PROSE: The Mirrored Room) they would turn to stone permanently, leaving them trapped until they died from starvation.

Others species were also capable of quantum-locking. The Medusa used it to leave people frozen in time, in order to feed on their life energy. (COMIC: Gaze of the Medusa) Furthermore, the Mouri in the Temple of Atropos were said to have been quantum locked, and only appeared once someone was in close proximity to them. The temple was also redesigned so as to prevent the seal from recognising Swarm and Azure, thereby preventing the Mouri from appearing when they alone were near. (TV: War of the Sontarans)

Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]

The quantum-locking mechanism is similar to the so-called quantum Zeno effect, a situation in quantum mechanics in which an unstable particle, if "observed" continuously, will never decay forming another particle. For example, the observation can "freeze" an unstable atomic nucleus, preventing the emission of particles or radiation. In other words, a uranium atom can decay only when not being measured or interacted with.

In the webcast Stealing Series 9 Scripts, the in-universe counterpart of Christel Dee is able to use a sonic screwdriver to quantum-lock a lava pool which served as one of the defence systems on Steven Moffat's "secret writing lair" below 221B Baker Street. However, the webcast is not considered a valid source on this Wiki due to its somewhat parodical nature and its free-form blending of in- and out-of-universe elements.

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