Dampening field

A dampening field is an energy field which interferes with power emissions within its effective range of operation. Dampening fields can drain an area of power, interfere with communications, block sensor readings including transporter locks, and prevent the operation of phasers and other large power systems.

Dampening fields are employed by a wide variety of species in varying circumstances for varying reasons.

Tactically, dampening fields may be used in coordination with transporter scramblers or to prevent the use of phasers and other energy weapons. The threat posed to operations by dampening fields was sufficient for the Federation to develop the TR-116 rifle as an alternative to phaser rifles, but only one prototype was built and the weapon was never regularly used by the Federation.