The radiation pulse was an energy weapon incorporated into certain security systems. It generated a pulse of radiation which vaporized an unauthorized user, unless the proper authorization code was entered.

The Kellerun and the T'Lani claimed that the inadvertent activation of a radiation pulse device was responsible for the apparent deaths of their scientists and Starfleet officers Miles O'Brien and Julian Bashir in 2370. (DS9: "Armageddon Game")