Sensor refers to any kind of equipment and technology which is used to measure, record, and detect the environment of time and space.

Sensors can range from a simple visual recording device to technologies which can analyze and detect occurrences in and out of the spectrum of the universe.

Types[]

Long-range subspace sensor capability required the technology of the transtator. (TOS comic: "Prisoners")

Passive sensors only analyse data emitted by other entities and objects. Active sensors, on the other hand, emit a beam and analyse data that is reflected back. Activity of an active sensor can be detected by a third party. (TNG novel: Ghost Ship)

Handheld sensors[]

Early handheld sensors took on the form of scanners which had limited abilities and range. By the 23rd century Starfleet used tricorders, a far more advanced sensor technology; there were also specialist tricorders for medical scans.

In addition to general purpose handheld devices, there are hand held detectors and scanners for a variety of specific detection and measuring requirements.

Starship and facility sensors[]

Starships generally have much more powerful sensors, capable of detecting a wide range of phenomenon from a great distance. If a single starship is insufficient, groups of ships can be used, as was the case when the first tachyon detection grids were developed to detect cloaked ships. (TNG episode: "Redemption")

External link[]

• Sensor article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.