M-rays are a form of radiation that can, under some circumstances, pierce force fields. In 2267, the self-proclaimed god Apollo surround the Enterprise with a force field contrived to resemble an enormous hand. This field blocked communications, transporters, and weapons fire. It was too powerful for the ship's impulse engines to pull free; the tractor beam proved equally ineffective. Ultimately, Spock directed the crew to generate M-rays on carefully calculated wavelengths, to pierce the field in specific spots. Shooting through these holes, Spock was able to destroy Apollo's temple, the source of his power, and end his threat. (TOS: "Who Mourns for Adonais?")
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