A phased polaron beam is the polaron beam discharge of the extremely powerful ship-mounted directed energy weapon used on Dominion starships.

Jem'Hadar fighters were equipped with a phased polaron beam emitter as their primary offensive weapon. The beam was capable of penetrating the deflector shields used by Federation, Romulan and Cardassian starships, as if they weren't shielded at all. This gave the Dominion ships a decisive tactical advantage during the early years of hostilities from 2370 onward. (DS9: "The Jem'Hadar", "The Die is Cast") The ablative armor of the USS Defiant proved to be an effective defense against phased polaron beams, allowing the Defiant to survive in a battle for a short while against Jem'Hadar fighters. (DS9: "The Search, Part I")

In 2372, while on a diplomatic mission to negotiate a trade agreement between the Karemma and the Ferengi, the Defiant was for the first time capable of repelling enemy fire with shields when they were attacked by Jem'Hadar fighters. (DS9: "Starship Down") The Dominion did not become aware of the Federation shield upgrades until the Second Battle of Deep Space 9 in 2373, when Dominion forces were surprised to see Deep Space 9's shields holding under phased polaron beam fire. (DS9: "Call to Arms").

See alsoEdit

• Polaron beam
• Polaron disruptor