Polarized Hull Plating

Before the development of deflector shields, Starfleet vessels employed polarized hull plating as their primary defense. By running powerful electromagnetic currents through the hull, the molecular bonds of the armor are strengthened, providing enhanced resistance to weapons and impacts.

While less effective than modern shields, polarized plating has the advantage of not requiring the massive power generation needed for shield systems. The technology remains useful in situations where shield operation is impractical or as a backup defensive layer.