Test Cylinder
A Starfleet test cylinder was a standard 24th century mechanism with a varietal molecular matrix that simulates most known organic and inorganic compounds.
Its technology was not classified and it was used to test the correct working of a transporter. The Romulans had a similar device during the 2350s. (VOY: "Eye of the Needle")
Test cylinders were used in 2366 in an effort to overcome the effects that hyperonic radiation had on transporters. Chief engineer Geordi La Forge, Transporter chief Miles O'Brien and Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher went through several test cylinders before realizing that it would take years of research and about one hundred personnel to make it work. (TNG: "The Ensigns of Command")
Following the discovery of a micro-wormhole, proposed by Tom Paris to be named the Harry Kim wormholes, in the Delta Quadrant by the USS Voyager in 2371, it was determined that a transporter signal could be transmitted via a microprobe relay lodged in the micro-wormhole, towards to other end. With the assistance of a signal amplifier aboard the Romulan Science Vessel Talvath, located in the Alpha Quadrant, a test cylinder was used to determine the safety of the transport.
After more than twenty successful transports it was deemed safe to transport a test subject through the micro-wormhole. (VOY: "Eye of the Needle")
