Manifold Anchor

A manifold anchor is a device intended to counteract anomalous effects on manifolds. Anchors are most effective when the manifold distortion results purely from altered vacuum levels, but powerful anchors may even be able to evict an entity that has assumed grid control over the manifold. While an anchor may be able to stabilise the manifold and prevent further damage, it cannot in itself repair damage; a damaged manifold requires active grid control or permanent repair to ensure stability. Anchors are primarily used by Raven forces and first responders for anomaly defence. Sizes vary greatly, from compact versions embeddable into the frames of combat synthetics, to portable ground units and even building-sized versions for covering large areas.

Principles of operation

Manifold anchors function by emitting entropic or syntropic radiation in an effort to return the manifold vacuum level to its natural (neutral) baseline. Thus, the amount of entropic radiation an anchor is able to emit must be able to overwhelm the source that is currently distorting the manifold. It is for this reason portable anchors are commonly powered by extremely dense power sources such as hypercapacitors or neutronium electron lattice cells. Just like a cavity reactor, anchors generate E-rad by hitting a galraite core with powerful particle beams; however, anchors spin the emitters around to ensure even saturation of the surrounding manifold. Sensors and smart collimators are used to direct the radiation to the right spatial areas, preventing oversaturation. The galraite core is the only part of a manifold anchor that is covered by anomalous materials provisions of the Dimensional Security Accords, easing anchor transport when it is removed.

Variants

There is a “tactical” variant of a manifold anchor issued to Calamity Mitigation forces. This type, referred to as a Tactical Manifold Anchor (TMA), is small and light enough to fit within a 120mm shell. It is intended to be fired at anomalies that rely primarily on vacuum-based distortion to maintain cohesion.