A holodeck is a room equipped with a hologrid containing omnidirectional holographic diodes, enabling holographic projections.

Purpose and Design

The holodeck serves both entertainment and training purposes. It combines transporter technology with that of replicators, by generating holographic images in 3D space as well as projecting force fields to give the objects the illusion of substance. It can be controlled from an exterior control or the interior arch control. This arch can be summoned at any time to change the parameters of a running holoprogram. Holodeck walls can generate holographic images that appear to extend for an unlimited distance, seemingly much larger than its own dimensions. In doing so, however, the holodeck is aware only of its users; it does not recognize its own created objects. For example, if a person were to throw a holographic rock at the holodeck's walls, the rock would not be allowed to pass beyond the wall. It does this by continuously adjusting the projections of the force fields and the use of a force field "treadmill". With this, an individual approaching a wall causes an instant shift away. The holodeck can change gravity in three dimensions, so occupants don't notice the change.
Holodeck matter can impersonate real matter even at the molecular level. Molecule-sized magnetic bubbles replace molecules in full- resolution holo-objects. The computer can manipulate them individually in three dimensions. The computer may use large magnetic bubbles to simulate surfaces and textures rather than create an object at the molecular level. However, objects created within the holodeck could not exist beyond the holodeck itself, as they only exist as energy.

The holodecks are used primarily for training purposes but can also be utilized for recreational activities. Many training programs were installed at the time of construction. User-developed modifications to existing programs as well as original programs continue to increase the already large library of programs available to choose from.

A significant benefit of the Holodeck system is that the space it requires is much less than the standard training and recreational facilities designed into past vessels. This has allowed the extra space to be reallocated for other needs.

Each Holodeck has its own power generator, though normally they operate off the ship's power distribution grid. They also operate off the dedicated minicore setup for the Holodecks to take their operating workload off the main core.

Another benefit is that the area(s) of upcoming combat operations can be reproduced with a higher degree of accuracy to improve the quality of training without constructing mockups or having to work with an existing environment that may not be entirely accurate or appropriate. Also, any number of modifications to the scenario can be made by simple reprogramming of the system. When large numbers of personnel aboard are involved in a training mission, the Holosystems can be networked together so that both Holosystems can be utilized for the same exercise.