Matter-antimatter reaction
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
The matter-antimatter reaction is the reaction of matter and antimatter which results in the most exothermal reaction known.
The primary source of power utilized in Federation starships is provided by the enormous amount of output energy produced by a controlled matter-antimatter reaction. This reaction typically occurs within the intermix chamber of a warp core, and is contained by a magnetic containment field. This reaction produces a considerable amount of heat energy in addition to the kinetic energy that is used by the vessel's propulsion system. This heat is supplanted by a plasma coolant system that is situated adjacent to the intermix chamber. The loss of coolant will inevitably result in the overheating and destruction of the intermix chamber, causing a warp core breach. (Star Trek Generations)
Certain types of matter-antimatter reactions are known to create omicron particles. (DS9: "Shadowplay")
The warp core aboard an Intrepid-class starship is fueled by a matter/ antimatter reaction, capable of producing a maximum output of 4,000 teradynes per second, which provides power for faster-than-light propulsion. (VOY: "Drone") Additionally, the unit of Cochrane is used to measure a matter/antimatter reaction. (VOY: "The Gift")
If the antimatter reaction rate, in a matter-antimatter reaction drops below 9%, it can cause the system's plasma injectors to lock up, which subsequently prevents the nacelles from being initialized. (VOY: "Resistance")
