Plasma cannon

Technical

Weapon projecting a packet of electroplasma or similar compound at a target
Envelops target, dealing damage across an entire shield envelope and/or spaceframe (DS9 Novel: The 34th Rule)

Early development of United Earth c.early 22nd century (ENT: "Broken Bow", "Fortunate Son", "Horizon", "Shadows of P'Jem")
- Both shipboard and handheld weaponry
- Usage persisted throughout mid-22nd century, especially in civilian or private vessels, but technology was largely supplanted by phase cannon technology (ENT: "Fortunate Son", "Horizon")
- Replacement likely due to flexibility, greater control of output
High-energy plasma torpedo in use on Romulan vessels by 2260s (TOS: "Balance of Terror")
- Still used by 2370s (DS9: "Image in the Sand")
Plasma cannons in use on Ferengi Military vessels as late as 2372 (DS9 Novel: The 34th Rule)