Cloaking device

Technical

• Any of various technologies used to prevent visual and sensor detection

Known implementations

Federation

• As of c.2370, schematics for Starfleet vessel-compatible cloaking devices are encrypted within all starship computers in the event of extreme need (TNG Novel: Resistance)
  • Access requires admiral-level access codes (TNG Novel: Resistance)

Romulan

• Graviton-, chroniton-, and tachyon-based manipulation via modified deflector fields of surrounding light, preventing detection (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident"; DS9: "Past Tense, Part I", "For the Cause", "By Inferno's Light")
  • Tuning of cloaking field to different frequencies impacts ability of enemy sensors to penetrate field (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed)
• History
  • Early experiments on IRW Praetor Pontilus failed due to overtaxing of vessel's power systems (ENT Novel: The Good That Men Do)
  • Successful implementation not developed until late 2265, first tested on on IRW Bloodied Talon and IRW Algeron (VAN Novel: Summon the Thunder; TOS: "Balance of Terror"; PRM Novel: Fire with Fire)
    • Energy dissipation rate of prototype device allowed for short-range detection during motion of vessel (VAN Novel: Summon the Thunder; TOS: "Balance of Terror")
    • Power requirements, in addition to preventing usage of weapons and shields, compromised sensor range while active (VAN Novel: Summon the Thunder)