Star Trek arguably wears the crown when it comes to gifting the sci-fi genre with high-concept ideas, such as phasers, transporters, warping, and replicators. The foremost sign of standard equipment on any starship since the 23rd century, deflector shields — “shields,” “screens” or “deflectors” (they are used interchangeably) — are one of the most iconic and essential pieces of technology to exist within Star Trek lore.