Matter-antimatter reaction assembly

File:Dilithiumcrystals.jpg

Part of the dilithium articulation frame from a M/ARA.

A matter/antimatter reaction assembly (often known simply as an M/ARA) is a type of energy reactor which is fueled by injectors of matter and antimatter into a central reaction element, creating large amounts of energy when those two materials mutually annihilate each other. Matter and antimatter is injected into the M/ARA in an intermix 1:1 ratio (TNG: "Coming of Age"). The dilithium crystal is used to moderate this reaction.

On Federation starships, this type of reactor is often used as a warp core, powering the warp drive. The most common version of this system is fueled by slush or liquified deuterium, and its antimatter counterpart, anti-deuterium. These elements are funneled through magnetic constrictors and combined within a dilithium crystal to create a stream of highly energized electro-plasma which is routed to the warp coils within the vessel's nacelles, creating a warp field. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual)

The dilithium articulation frame is housed inside the M/ARA (TNG: "Skin of Evil"), behind the dilithium chamber hatch. (TNG: "The Drumhead")

The Jem'Hadar battleship had a fatal design flaw; the braces holding together the ship's 'M/ARA were suspectable to a specific type of radiation. The crew of the USS Valiant believed they could use this flaw to their advantage when they were plotting the ship's destruction in 2374. (DS9 : Valiant).

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