Editing Force Field

[[File:Forcefield.jpg|thumb|250px|right| A forcefield in use.]]

A [[Force Field]] is an energy barrier with many applications and varying degrees of strength. Although force fields had been in use for many years, [[Starfleet]] did not begin research on such a device until 2147, then referred to by Malcolm Reed as a "stable EM barrier." (ENT: "Vox Sola") By the 24th century, [[Federation]] Starfleet force fields were commonplace and were rated by intensity, ranging in strength from level 1-10. A level 10 force field is the strongest and would be used, for example, during a scientific experiment of which the outcome is unknown, or known to be explosive in nature. Applications range from creating holograms to sealing a hull breach to personal force fields designed to keep potential assailants at bay. (TNG: "Realm of Fear", "The Most Toys"; DS9: "Starship Down")

The effects of a force field on its surroundings vary greatly. Contact with a force field may cause anything from a slight tingle to death. Most force fields are non-lethal, although some civilizations such as the [[Dominion]] prefer the lethal variety. If a force field is active, an object or [[transporter|transporter beam]] generally cannot pass through it, although this is not always the case. The [[Borg]] are known to not be hindered by most force fields; they can adapt and simply walk through the field. However, a [[Borg Drone]] can be cut off from the [[Borg Collective]] if it is surrounded by a [[Starfleet]] level 10 force field. (DS9: "The Jem'Hadar"; TNG: "I Borg")

Force fields can be activated from various locations. On Starfleet [[starship]]s there are emitter points at almost every junction along every corridor. The computer can be programmed to run a series of force field activations and de-activations within the ship, effectively creating a protected corridor which can follow a person. [[Rank|Commander]] Data used this technique with great control when he commandeered the USS Enterprise-D on stardate 44085.7. He also demonstrated another technique involving instructing the computer to implement a scan-series of force field activations, activated by his movements along a short distance of corridor, thus forcing the security team to back away from him. (TNG: "Brothers")

If part of a humanoid body is caught in a force field while it is activated, the person may suffer second-degree burns on the affected area. (DS9: "Civil Defense")

When various security measures left over from the [[Cardassian]] occupation came online on Deep Space 9, Elim Garak was recognized as a person of sufficient importance by the computer to have the force fields dividing the station drop when he approached. (DS9: "Civil Defense")

If necessary, a transporter platform can be completely enclosed within a force field, to, for example, contain an alien subject, or prisoner during transport. (TNG: "The Hunted", "Realm of Fear")

Force fields are also capable of selective positioning, allowing the majority of it to cover a secure location, while a smaller portion is deactivated to allow transport of food, drinks, and other items; particularly used when it would be considered dangerous to deactivate the entire force field. (VOY: "Repentance")

[[Category: Engineering]][[Category:Database]]