Polaron
- Quasiparticle formed in interaction of charge carrier with surrounding material
- Possibly describing a general category of exotic matter conglomerations that function as single particles rather than a generic variety of polaron
- See, e.g., Rydberg polaron
- Possibly describing a general category of exotic matter conglomerations that function as single particles rather than a generic variety of polaron
- High levels of polaron radiation extremely hazardous, fatal to most all known forms of humanoid life (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")
- Capable of disrupting Founder morphogenic matrix, destabilizing their form and forcing them into natural liquid state (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising")
- Low-intensity bursts capable of modifying polarity, strength of graviton emissions (VOY: "The Swarm", "Hunters", "Extreme Risk", "The Void")
- Certain civilizations use polaron-based weaponry
- Apparently more capable at penetrating traditional deflector shields (DS9: "The Jem'Hadar")
- Known civilizations:
- Dominion (DS9: "The Jem'Hadar")
- Magisterial Cheka Kingdom (DS9 Novel: Mission Gamma: This Gray Spirit)
- Shield modifications developed by Federation c.2372 allowed for greater defense against polaron weaponry (DS9: "Starship Down")