ANTIMATTER STORAGE AND TRANSFER

	Since its confirmed existence in the 1930s, the concept of a form of 
matter with the same mass but reversed charge and spin has intrigued 
scientists and engineers as a means to produce unprecedented amounts of 
energy, and to apply that energy to drive large space vehicles.
	Cosmological theory maintains that all constituent parts of the 
universe were created in pairs; that is, one particle of matter and one 
particle of antimatter. Why there seems to be a propensity toward matter in 
our galactic neighborhood is, to this day, a topic of lively discussion. All of 
the basic antiparticles have been synthesized, however, and are available 
for continued experimental and operational use.
	When, for example, an electron and an antielectron (or positron) are 
in close proximity, they mutually annihilate, producing energetic gamma 
rays. Other particle-antiparticle pairs annihilate into different combinations 
of subatomic particles and energy. Of particular interest to spacecraft 
engineers were the theoretical results presented by deuterium, an isotope of 
hydrogen, and its antimatter equivalent. The problems encountered along the 
way to achieving a working M/A engine, however, were as daunting as the 
possible rewards were glorious. Antimatter, from the time of its creation, 
could neither be contained by nor touch any matter. Numerous schemes 
were proposed to contain antihydrogen by magnetic fields. This continues to 
be the accepted method. Appreciable amounts of antihydrogen, in the form 
of liquid or, better yet, slush, posed significant risks should any portion of the 
magnetic containment fail. Within the last fifty years, reliable 
superconducting field sustainers and other measures have afforded a 
greater degree of safety aboard operational Starfleet vessels.
	As used aboard the USS Enterprise, antimatter is first generated at 
major Starfleet fueling facilities by combined solar-fusion charge reversal 
devices, which process proton and neutron beams into antideuterons, and 
are joined by a positron beam accelerator to produce antihydrogen 
(specifically antideuterium). Even with the added solar dynamo input, there is 
a net energy loss of 24% using this process, but this loss is deemed 
acceptable by Starfleet to conduct distant interstellar operations.
	The antimatter is kept contained by magnetic conduits and 
compartmentalized tankage while aboard the fueling facility. Early starships 
were also constructed with compartmentalized tankage in place, though this 
method proved less desirable from a safety standpoint in a ship subjected to 
high stresses. During normal refueling, antimatter is passed through the 
loading port, a 1.75 meter-wide circular probe-and-drogue device equipped 
with twelve physical hard-dock latches and magnetic irises. Surrounding the 
antimatter loading port on Deck 42 are thirty storage pods, each measuring 4 
x 8 meters and constructed of polyduranium, with an inner magnetic field 
layer of ferric quonium. Each pod contains a maximum volume of 100 mì of 
antimatter, giving a 30-pod total starship supply of 3000 mì, enough for a 
normal mission period of three years. Each is connected by shielded 
conduits to a series of distribution manifolds, flow controllers, and electro 
plasma system (EPS) power feed inputs. In rapid refueling conditions, 
reserved for emergency situations, the entire antimatter storage pod 
assembly (ASPA) can be drawn down on jackscrews and replaced in less 
than one hour.
	In the event of loss of magnetic containment, this very same 
assembly can be ejected by microfusion initiators at a velocity of 40 m/sec, 
pushing it clear of the ship before the fields decay and the antimatter has a 
chance to react with the pod walls. While small groups of pods can be 
replaced under normal conditions, the magnetic pump transfer method is 
preferred.
	Antimatter, even contained within storage pods, cannot be moved by 
transporter without extensive modifications to the pattern buffer, transfer 
conduits, and transporter emitters for safety reasons due to the highly 
volatile nature of antimatter. (Specific exceptions apply for small quantities 
of antimatter stored in approved magnetic containment devices, normally 
used for specialized engineering and scientific applications.)
	Refueling while in interstellar space is possible through the use of 
Starfleet tanker craft. Tanker transfers run considerable risks, not so much 
from hardware problems but because refined antimatter is a valuable 
commodity, and vulnerable to Threat force capture or destruction while in 
transit. Starfleet cruiser escorts are standard procedure for all tanker 
movements.  Æ