SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

	As a result of the basic physics required to produce a phaser 
discharge, an undesirable but unavoidable process exists, namely that of 
phaser overload. The accepted methods employed for energy storage, flow, 
control, and discharge allow for an amplified rebounding to occur from the 
storage cell to the prefire chamber, and simultaneously back to the storage 
cell. While the total energy within the system remains the same, the flow 
pressure is elevated during the rebound, to the point where the storage cell 
cannot reabsorb the energy fast enough. The barrier field will be reinforced 
during this buildup, effectively preventing normal discharge through the 
emitter.

	Conductive acoustic effects manifest themselves during overload, 
ranging from 6 kHz to over 20 kHz within thirty seconds. Explosive destruction 
of the phaser will occur when the energy level exceeds the prefire 
chamberÕs density and structural limits.

	The safety interlock will prevent overload under most operating 
conditions, though the design specifications could not cope with some forms 
of tampering. This can become a priority security matter should a standard-
issue phaser fall into the hands of a Threat force.  Æ