franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

5.2 MATTER/ANTIMATTER ¥highly complex atomic structure is based on simpler formsdiscovered in naturally occurring geological layers of certainplanetary systems. It was for many years deemed irreproducibleby known or predicted vapor-deposition methods, untilbreakthroughs in nuclear epitaxy and antieutectics allowedthe formation of pure, synthesized dilithium for starship andconventional powerplant use, through theta-matrix compositingtechniques utilizing gamma radiation bombardment.M/ARC POWER GENERATIONThe normal power-up sequence of the engine, as managedby the MCPC, is as follows:1. From a cold condition, the total system temperatureand pressure is brought up to 2,500,000K using a combinationof energy inputs from the electro plasma system (EPS) andthe MRI, and a "squeeze" from the upper magnetic constrictors.2. The first minute amounts of antimatter are injectedfrom below by the ARI. The lower MCS array squeezes theantimatter stream and matches its aim with the MRI above, sothat both streams land at exactly the same XYZ coordinateswithin the M/ARC. The largest reaction cross-section radiusis 9.3 cm, the smallest 2.1 cm. The stream cross-sections ofthe upper and lower MCS can vary, depending on the powerlevel setting.There are two distinct reaction modes. The first involvesthe generation of high levels of energy channeled to theelectro plasma system, much like a standard fusion reaction,to provide raw energy for ship function while at sublight. In theDCAF, the crystal alignment cradle positions the dilithium sothat the edge of two facets lies parallel to the matter/anti matterstreams, coincident with the core's XYZ B 0,0,125, where 125is the reactant cross section radius. The reaction is mediatedby the dilithium, forcing the upper limit of the resulting EMfrequencies down, below 10 20 hertz, and the lower limit up,above 10 12 hertz.The second mode makes full use of dilithium's ability tocause a partial suspension of the reaction, creating the criticalpulse frequency to be sent to the warp engine nacelles. In thismode the XYZ coordinates are driven by the three-axisadjustments made by the DCAF and place the exact mathematicalcollision point 20 angstroms above the upper dilithiumcrystal facet (See: 5.2.2). The optimum frequency range iscontinuously tuned for specific warp factors and fractionalwarp factors. Regardless of the mode employed, the annihilationeffect takes place at chamber centerpoint. The M/Aratio is stabilized at 25:1, and the engine is considered to beat "idle."3. The engine pressure is slowly brought up to 72,000kilopascals, roughly 715 times atmospheric pressure, and thenormal operating temperature at the reaction site is 2 x 10 12 K.The MRI and ARI nozzles are opened to permit more reac-5.2.5 Matter/antimatter reaction chamber (M/ARC)