Meson Blaster

The Meson Blaster is a weapon-type in service with the Terran Confederation and Kilrathi Empire.

The meson blaster is a unique, powerful gun that utilizes subatomic particles with a short
half-life. These particles, called mesons, are accelerated and flung toward a target. The
most damage occurs once the particles decay inside the target — they cause internal
explosions and give off radiation. Energized shields can stop these particles,
and atmospheric conditions render this gun ineffective.

/Kilrathi Saga Manual