Personal Shield Technology

Background
Dr. Reuben McIntyre is considered the pioneer of personal force field technology. McIntyre’s first prototype offered around twelve seconds of protection and weighed 34 kilograms.

By manipulating sub-spectrum light between two charge nodes McIntyre’s device produced a disruptive particle field. This field is capable of diffusing or nullifying most energy based weapons by dispersing incoming charged particles across the field. High velocity projectiles are also defeated due to the effects of magnetic compression. Larger projectiles are deflected and smaller objects are vaporized upon interaction with the field.

Each discharge weakens the field as energy is lost in the form of upper spectrum visible light and heat. The size of the system and power source determine its effectiveness. Combat field units are often powered by portable XEM cores and provide extended protection. Smaller units offer limited protection against weapons but are very effective against radiation and other environmental hazards. These are commonly used on scientific research expeditions.

As successive versions became more powerful and less cumbersome, personal defense shields were used more in scientific fields. They however never proved effective for military purposes until 2168 when Dr. Reuben McIntyre hands the technology over to support the Gaian cause. The move gives Gaian soldiers a decided advantage over the larger, more heavily armed, UGC forces vastly leveling the field at the onset of the Gaian war.