A positron is a particle that occurs naturally, can be created and directed as part of an active sensor scan by Federation starships and shuttlecraft, can be measured by Federation sensors, and is a basis upon which artificial brains can be constructed. Geordi La Forge’s VISOR is constructed to sense positrons, and certain sensor data is typically analyzed by Starfleet scientists through a subspace infrared algorithm measuring the flow rate of positrons. Readings indicating positron displacement in an object can indicate a potential past contact with dark matter. The brainpaths of artificial brains are kept active by the flow of positrons, and brains so constructed are called positronic.
A positron was, to 21st century science, an antilepton (or, light antimatter particle); the antiparticle of the electron.
Positrons in Star Trek do not act like sub-atomic particles of antimatter, so it is necessary to assume the name refers to another particle of unknown properties.
References
- TNG:
- "The Enemy"
- "The Nth Degree"
- "Darmok"
- "Hero Worship"
- "The Most Toys"
- VOY: "Good Shepherd"