That's what a transporter is all about, and with a few household items or pieces easily found in any electronics store you can build one that's practical for short distances.

The Science:
We've all seen transporters in action on Star Trek, but how do they really work? The design can be broken down into several components: an analyzer, an atomic desconstruction device, a transmitter and an atomic reconstructor.

Using a high-end 3D modeling program, now available commercially, combined with a magnetic soft tissue scanning device like a CAT scanner, you can create a machine that will analyze your body down to the atomic level. With some simple ingenuity, you can recreate a "picture" of you that will be used to map out and put back together the pieces once they reach the other end. If only Humpty Dumpty was so lucky!

At this point you can unravel your body with an atomic unraveller and you're all set to go. Don't forget the anesthetic!

Any microwave signal device can be used to move that information, but obviously the greater the distance, the bigger the transmission tower you'll have to build. Use LZW or RAR compression to encode your information and particles, as JPG is a "lossy" format and the last thing you want is to start losing chunks of yourself--even if you can't tell the difference. Believe me, you'll regret the quality later.

For really short distances you could probably use a laser to move your molecular information without a receiver, but since you'll undoubtedly want to move through buildings, doors, and other solid objects you'll need a receiving station at your destination. You'll have to put your parts back together anyway, so combine your receiver with another rendering station, this time with a device for reconstructing all those atoms. I would suggest something portable so you can move it if you want, but don't forget to lock it down so it isn't moved by thieves or jealous "friends."

Voila, we've done it! Remember to test out your transporter with inanimate objects first, then small pets before trying it out yourself. Reese's monkeys aren't cheap anymore, so I suggest maybe a chinchilla instead. Your girlfriend probably won't mind.

As well, make sure you're absolutely alone in the transporter--we don't want to see you combined with small flying insects, chocolate bars, or #2 pencils. Another good idea is to set your coordinates to when you want to go before you push the "send" button. It would be unfortunate to be stuck inside some computer program for hundreds of years because of a silly mistake.

Until these devices become commercially available you'll have the leap on all your friends, transporting yourself--within minutes--to wherever you've set up a receiver. Enjoy!

Kent's Archive Of Science

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