Cloaking device

Technical

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)

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)

Emission of some form of radiation which distorts light around a small vessel (ENT: "Broken Bow", "The Communicator"; ENT Novel: Daedalus)
- Said radiation can effect smaller or partial objects (ENT: "The Communicator")
- Originates from the 28th century (ENT: "Broken Bow")