Phasers

The phaser is the standard Federation beam weapon system. This type of weapon came into common use c.2255, replacing the laser weapons then in service. Phaser is an acronym for PHASed Energy Rectification, a term which referred to the original process by which stored or supplied energy was converted to another form for release toward the target without any need for an intermediate energy transformation. Although this term is something of a holdover, it remains true in modern phaser systems. Phaser energy is released by the rapid nadion effect. Rapid nadions are short lived subatomic particles which can liberate and transfer strong nuclear forces within a class of crystals called fushigi-no-umi.

Phasers have three distinct effects on the target. At low power settings - setting 1 to 3 on a hand phaser - the impact of phaser energy is almost wholly limited to simple electromagnetic and mild thermal effects. These are concentrated on the nervous system of the target, causing pain and/or unconsciousness in most beings. At higher levels the thermal effect becomes prevalent, and the phaser will begin to cause physical damage to the target resulting in moderate or severe injuries. By the time the power level is at setting 7 the energy is distributed equally between thermal and nuclear disruption energy. Disruption effects become widespread, resulting in immediate death to most Humanoid life forms. At levels higher than 7 the majority of phaser energy is in the form of nuclear disruption. A large portion of the target is simultaneously vaporized and transitioned out of the continuum, a process which is instantly fatal.

Since phasers were introduced, Starfleet has used several models of handheld pistol phaser.

In the 2260's, Sestra Weapons introduced the Type I and II phasers. The Type II pistol phaser incorporated the smaller Type I phaser, which slots into the top of the pistol body. The combined unit is more powerful and has a greater range.

Some Phaser I and II units can still be found in use aboard older ships and installations.

In the 2270's the sleek bluegray component system called Phaser Type III and IV, built by Atalskes Phaser Corporation, slowly began replacing the original designs aboard Starfleet vessels. The Type IV phaser has the same modular design as the earlier Type II, but the Type III phaser now snaps onto the front of the pistol unit. This model is slightly smaller than its predecessor, and the power pack fits into the section that extends back toward the user's wrist. A touchkey panel on the back of the Phaser III unit allows the device's internal microcomputer to be programmed for a variety of functions.

Phaser III and IV units are the standard hand weapons used aboard most Starfleet starships.

The most recent development is the Phaser B series, built by Sestra Weapons, creators of the original Phaser. The Type IIB phaser returns to the basic design of the model that was used in the 2260's. Once again the Type IB is slotted into a mounting on the top. As with earlier models, the handgrip unit boosts the power and range.

Phaser B incorporates new internal cooling and control systems. The IB and IIB units have a much simpler "speed setting" system of beam force selection, which in tests proved invaluable during personal combat situations.