Technological Signatures of Super Civilizations

Gargantuan Structures and Enormous Energies or “Invisibility" Due to Low Energy Solutions to Complex Problems and Quantum EngineeringTechnological Super Civilizations

Abstract

The evolution trajectory of technological civilizations envisioned by Kardashev suggests ever increasing amounts of energy being harvested by the civilizations resulting in creation of megatructures of an astronomical scale. However, the idea may itself reflect a relatively crude phase of our technological development, rather than a universal principle. An alternative vision is that of technological minimalism: achieving maximal outcomes with minimal energy expenditure. Instead of scaling energy consumption upwards without limit, an advanced civilization may optimize and miniaturize its processes. It might master engineering at the quantum scale, developing technologies that use only the smallest amounts of energy necessary to accomplish a given task. Advanced technological civilization may deliberately isolate its technological infrastructure from the natural world. From an interstellar distance, their planet could appear untouched to earthly observer, with a naturally thriving biosphere, devoid of industry or artificial interference.