Yukitate Crystal Lattice

Yukitate Crystal Lattices are a type of starship defence system comprising of synthetic superconducting nanocrystal webs inlaid in a starship's outer armour. These crystal webs serve to protect the ship from energy weapons such as lasers, as the Empire has yet to develop effective defensive energy shields.

While much cheaper and less energy-consuming compared to theoretical energy shields, Yukitate crystals have drawbacks in that they can be overwhelmed by concentrated fire, as well as their application to the outer hull armour plates only. Their presence in the outer armour plating may also have an adverse impact on outer armour integrity, though this has not been examined closely.

History
Superconducting silicon-based crystals.