Energy field

An energy field is general term to refer to any defined spatial area that has some sort of energy-related effect within that area. Many energy fields occur naturally in space, but artificial fields can exist too. Usually technological devices such as field generators, like the one used by the Whale Probe, create the latter, though not in every case: Certain (often powerful) lifeforms, such as Q, Armus, and the Sky Spirits, have the ability to generate energy fields at will. 

In space
Regions of space can be filled with energy fields. In exploring space, Starfleet vessels often encounter energy fields of one type or another. Some of these fields are easily measurable and quantifiable; others are the product of advanced science or previously unknown phenomena, and exhibit unusual or previously unknown properties.

In 2267, the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) became the victim of an unknown energy field generated by the machinery of the Shore Leave Planet. This field drained energy from the ship, making communication and transportation difficult. It drained most hand-held devices (such as phasers) completely, rendering them useless. 

In 2270, the Enterprise encountered and entered an unidentified energy field near the Romulan Neutral Zone to escape three pursuing D7 class Romulan warships. Spock's analysis of the field found that it was composed of highly charged subatomic particles. It was later determined that these subatomic particles invaded the ship's computer circuits like bacteria invade biological matter, creating an electronic equivalent of a nervous breakdown. 

The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) encountered an energy field created by the Paxans which was designed to transport intruders away from their space. 

Types of energy fields

 * Bioregenerative field
 * Dampening field
 * Distortion field
 * Orassin distortion field
 * Gravimetric field
 * Force field
 * Inversion field
 * Neurogenic field
 * Magnetic field
 * Electromagnetic field
 * Magnetic containment field
 * Molecular reversion field
 * Plasma field
 * Polaric field
 * Stasis field
 * Quantum stasis field
 * Scattering field
 * Steri-field
 * Structural integrity field
 * Subspace field
 * Subspace isolation field
 * Tantalus field
 * Thoron field
 * Warp field
 * Broad-spectrum warp field
 * Quantum warp field