Solidic Holograms

A Solidic Hologram is any hologram that takes a solid or realistic form that is indistinguishable from reality. This is most often used in holo rooms and other similar technologies. A Solidic Hologram is a virtual display technology made up of two parts. The first is a specialized low impact shield that makes the hologram itself take on a solid form. The second is a carefully crafted and colorful, low energy plasma field that makes the shielding visible.

Think of it like a highly advanced LCD display that can take on any shape or form that the user desires. In holo rooms, and other special locations, these can be paired together with replicator technology to create realistic smells, flavors, textures, and so on. This allows someone who is enjoying a holo room to also enjoy realistic drinks, food, and much more that they otherwise would be unable to do if everything was merely holographic. Solidic Holograms are also heavily used in the cloaking technologies of Earthfleet starships, allowing them to be "hidden in plain sight" by hiding behind a Solidic Hologram, while also masking, and faking, the energy signatures of the ship or object they are emulating.

Commander Tobias of the Appalachia once used this technique to hide his starship in plain sight while on a mission with Lars Nordic during an away mission as seen in The Oort Perimeter. When used for visible cloaking the technology isn't perfect, but it does work well enough for all but the most observant of crews. Solidic Holograms can also be used with screamers to create decoys to divert attention from, and protect, the parent ship. These holograms can also be used to create temporary, artificial connections between ships to allow the transfer of personnel and cargo. This is beneficial because, unlike physical materials, a Solidic Hologram can change shape, grow, shrink, or otherwise adapt to any stresses or other challenges that it is presented with.