A particle shield functioned as a deflector shield capable of warding off solid matter. These shields were implemented on Immobilizer 418 cruisers alongside ray shields.
These shields were created by a particle shield projector, which produced an unseen field. This field began extremely close to the hull and expanded until it surrounded the whole vessel. Typically, civilian and military starships utilized them as the main defense against micro-meteroids and other solid space junk. Despite their small size, these objects could easily breach the hull because of the high velocities needed for interstellar travel. Because particle shields would deflect all solid matter regardless of direction, they required precise timing. They had to briefly deactivate when a projectile weapon (like a proton torpedo) was launched, an escape pod or other support vehicle was deployed, or when individuals needed to leave the ship through an airlock.
During the Imperial era, individuals who possessed starships were obligated to request a specialized authorization prior to obtaining certain high-powered particle shield projector types. This was done to guarantee the Imperial Navy retained an advantage in weaponry over non-military vessels.