Subspace divergence field

File:Voyager divergence field.jpg

Graphic of Voyager being duplicated by a divergence field

A subspace divergence field (or spatial scission) is a divergence of subspace fields that duplicates matter, but not antimatter. This phenomenon was first documented experimentally by quantum theorists at Kent State University, who were able to duplicate a single particle of matter. The atoms could not coexist for long before mutual annihilation.

In 2372, the USS Voyager unknowingly encountered a subspace divergence field while passing through a plasma drift. The entire ship was duplicated, save for the antimatter supply, but still occupied the same physical space. Because the antimatter supply was shared, both ships experienced a power drain. One of the ships began using proton bursts to sustain its warp core, causing severe damage to the other.

As their shared existence was causing a loss in quantum cohesion, the two ships attempted to merge again by emitting simultaneous resonance pulses from their main deflectors. However, it was found that the fields were too chaotic. Separating the two ships was also impossible, as it would cause a catastrophic disruption to their shared antimatter supply. Evacuating the crew of one ship to the other was also not an option, as such a large shift in atomic balance would result in their mutual destruction.

One of the ships subsequently came under attack by the Vidiians. The Captain Kathryn Janeway of that Voyager sent Harry Kim and the infant Naomi Wildman through a spatial rift to the other Voyager to replace their deceased counterparts. She then activated her ship's self-destruct, destroying the Vidiian starship along with them and leaving the other Voyager intact. (VOY: "Deadlock")

The computer display heading is "Scan Analysis 4077," one of many references to the television series M*A*S*H.