phasers

Phasers are fictional directed-energy weapons in the Star Trek franchise. They emit a controllable beam of phased energy and are used by Starfleet personnel, security forces, and many alien cultures within the series. Phasers exist in handheld models for personal use and in ship-mounted configurations such as banks and pylons. The beam can be adjusted to different power levels, producing a range of effects rather than a single fixed outcome.

Power settings commonly include stun for nonlethal incapacitation and higher settings intended to cause injury, disable equipment, or cut through materials. In some depictions, very high settings can disintegrate targets or breach hulls. Range and effectiveness depend on the model and setting: handheld phasers have shorter range, while shipboard phasers and banks can engage distant or protected targets.

Phasers are powered by internal energy cells or by the host ship’s power grid, and they incorporate cooling and safety mechanisms to prevent unintended discharge. The fictional technology and its limitations are explored across episodes, including issues of beam spread, targeting, and energy management.

Origin and reception: The phaser became an enduring symbol of Star Trek’s weapons technology, appearing throughout the franchise since the Original Series. Variants include pistol, rifle, and ship-mounted configurations, and similar devices appear in many other science fiction works inspired by Star Trek.