What is Ion cannon?
In [[science fiction]], an '''ion cannon''' is a [[directed-energy weapon|beam weapon]]. It shoots beams of [[ion]]s ([[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s with an [[electrical ]]charge). Because of its power, it is usually said to be a [[superweapon]]. An ion [[cannon]] is a type of [[particle cannon]]. The [[particle]]s it shoots are ionized. Because of their electrical charges, they can cause [[electronic]] [[device]]s, [[vehicle]]s, and anything else that has an electrical or similar [[power ]]source to stop working. Ion cannons are used in many science-fiction [[movie]]s and [[television series]]. Ion cannons are also used in many [[video game]]s. ==Real-world connections== The [[science fiction]] idea for these [[weapon]]s comes from the particle cannon created by [[Nikola Tesla]]. Tesla's cannon shot ions into the [[ionosphere]]. This caused them to be charged more. Research of this idea is still being done with [[directed-energy weapon]]s. ==Media references== * In the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[fictional universe|universe]], Ion weapons are common. They range from handheld [[gun|pistols]] to [[spacecraft|star ship]] cannons. Ion weapons are mainly used to stop electronic systems from working. They can stop vehicles, [[robot|droids]] and starships without doing any damage. In ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]'', the [[Rebel Alliance]] uses a large ion cannon on the [[planet]] [[Hoth]] to disable [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Imperial]] [[Star Destroyer]]s near the planet. This is done to stop them from firing on Rebel ships trying to leave the planet. The [[List of Star Wars races (F-J)#Jawa|Jawa]]s used ion blasters to disable [[R2-D2]]. * In ''[[StarCraft]]'', [[Raynor]]'s faction is stopped from leaving because of [[Tarsonis]]' ion cannon. The weapon is destroyed as part of a mission. * In the computer game ''[[Conquest: Frontier Wars]]'', huge Ion Cannon [[space station]]s can be built. * In ''[[Master of Orion 2]]'', Ion cannons are used to damage ship's [[internal]] systems. They are not stopp