Antimatter
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TL9
Antimatter is now routinely manufactured. It's used in medicine (as a radiation source) but is too expensive to be used as a fuel or explosive. It is still useful in space propulsion and weaponry, as a catalyst for triggering "clean" nuclear explosions.
Antimatter (TL9): A microgram of antimatter (se Antimatter Trap) is $25,000 (at TL9), $2,500 (TL10), $25 (TL11), or $5 (TL12). LC0.
Portable Antimatter Trap (TL9-12)
This is a portable magnetic bottle for storage and transfer of antimatter. It can safely store up to 10 micrograms of antimatter at TL9, and is designed to interlock with antimatter reactors for safe transfer. If the power supply is turned off or the power cells removed while containing antimatter, the result is an explosion: antimatter has an REF of 10,000,000,000, and a single microgram can do 6d×9 cr ex damage!
The power will not turn off instantly: a built-in capacitor stores enough for 30 seconds of operation. Unless it is sabotaged or deactivated, a warning system will sound a buzzer and display a countdown to detonation. A biometric lock prevents unauthorized tampering or release, and the trap itself is ruggedized. It also has a redundant power cell socket so that cells can be changed without turning it off.
A standard unit is $20,000, 20 lbs., 2D/10,000 hr. LC3 (without antimatter). Multiply storage capacity by 10 per TL after TL9.
TL10
Vast solar power arrays are built close to stars, using solar energy to manufacture antimatter, or beaming it to other parts of the system. Some antimatter power plants are available, but too expensive for widespread use.
Portable Antimatter Trap (TL9-12)
Portable Antimatter Storage Field (TL10^): As above, but incorporating gravitic or force field technology; maximum antimatter storage is one gram at TL10, increasing tenfold per TL afterward. The annihilation of a single gram of antimatter will produce a 43-kiloton explosion. $40,000, 20 lbs., 2D/1,000 hr. LC3 (without antimatter).
TL11
Antimatter is another exotic material that comes of age at TL11. As its price of manufacture drops, it begins to see use as a means of compact energy storage. Antimatter rocket engines are also available. Antimatter is an affordable fuel for situations where high power levels are more important than efficiency.
Antimatter Generators (TL11)
These reactors produce energy through the mutual annihilation of matter and antimatter, with a 100% conversion of mass to energy. Unfortunately, antimatter takes more energy to manufacture than it can produce, and any failure of the containment system may result in a significant explosion. As a result, antimatter power is primarily used in applications where very high power densities are more important than fuel costs or safety – e.g., high-performance starships, combat vehicles, or weapon systems.
Semi-Portable Antimatter Generator (TL11): An installation that can fit in a truck bed. Provides external power for five years (TL11) or 50 years (TL12). $200,000, 100 lbs. LC2.
TL12
Pocket antimatter reactors power vehicles.
Antimatter Generators (TL12)
Portable Antimatter Generator (TL12): A backpack-sized antimatter power plant. Provides external power for up to five years. $10,000, 10 lbs. LC2.