Photonic lifeform Photonic lifeforms ( also called photonics ) were any form of sentient life based on particle s of light and energy , hence they were a type of non - corporeal lifeform s . While some photonic lifeforms were naturally occurring , most encounters were with artificially - created hologram s . Natural photonic life . Photonic beings lived in a photonic lattice and inside a protostar in the Delta Quadrant . While studying the star , the crew did not realize that these energy signatures were indeed life , and one being sought refuge in the holodeck recreation of " Beowulf " , known by the holographic characters as " Grendel " . ( ) Another naturally - occurring photonic species existed in a trans - dimensional realm and was unaware of the existence of biochemical lifeform s . They believed that photonics were living , while carbon - based lifeforms were artificial . They were an exploratory race . In 2375 , they encountered the USS " Voyager " s holodeck , which was running the " Captain Proton " simulation . These beings became involved in a war against the character of Chaotica , and were capable of being injured or killed by the holographic photonic - based weapon s . " Voyager " s crewmembers were able to negotiate a peace , through the holographic Doctor , and succeeded in defeating Chaotica , ending the war . ( ) The following year , " Voyager " was infested by photonic flea s . Their primary source of nourishment was plasma particles . The larvae of the fleas were brought on board in a jar of amber spice from a Kartelan freighter . ( ) Artificial photonic life . In 2365 , the ' s computer created a sentient holographic being , Professor , in response to a command to create an adversary worthy of defeating Lieutenant Commander Data . The simulated character was able to gain control of the starship twice in his quest to be freed from the confines of the holodeck . ( ) While investigating a strange particle field in the Gamma Quadrant in 2370 , Odo and Jadzia Dax discovered a colony of holographic Yaderan s created by a refugee , Rurigan , from Yadera Prime , after his home was destroyed by the Dominion . These holographic Yaderans had definite personalities , could experience pain and pleasure , were capable of reproducing , and became aware of their holographic origins when Odo and Dax told them that they were being maintained by a hologenerator which was breaking down , emitting omicron radiation and causing them to disappear . Odo and Dax repaired the generator and convinced Rurigan to let them restore the Yaderan colony by making him realize that even though the holographic Yaderans may not have been real in the same way he was , he still cared about them as though they were real . ( ) In 2374 , Julian Bashir ' s friend Felix completed his work on Vic Fontaine , a holographic 1962 Las Vegas lounge singer who was programmed to have some amount of free will and knowledge of his true nature . Vic , who referred to himself as a " light bulb , " had great insight into people and their relationships , and had the ability to turn his program off and on , as well as to transfer himself to other holo - simulations . ( ) The works of Dr . Lewis Zimmerman . Perhaps the greatest example of the Federation ' s artificial photonic life is the work of Dr . Lewis Zimmerman . Working at Jupiter Station , he was responsible for the development of the Emergency Medical Holographic Program . Programmed with medical knowledge from thousands of sources , it was self - aware and its matrix could grow and adapt . Though most of the EMH Mark - I ' s were quickly retired in favor of future models , The Doctor aboard the USS " Voyager " remained almost continuously online for seven years . In this time , he grew beyond his original purpose , formed a number of interpersonal relationships , and developed a unique personality . Expanded capabilities included skills such as singing , dancing , golf , romance , sexual routines , holoimaging & editing own holographic visual presentation . ( ) Zimmerman also created several other photonic lifeforms , including , a Human woman and aide to the doctor , Leonard , an iguana of few words , and Roy , a fly designed for micro - surveillance . ( ) Photonic life in Delta Quadrant cultures . A variety of cultures in the Delta Quadrant used holograms , or their version of holograms , as laborers , and treated them as second - class citizens with no rights . Sometimes , these artificial photonics would rise up against their creators and demand freedom and equality , though it occasionally degenerated into a fight for vengeance . Dejaren , an unstable isomorphic projection used by the Serosian s for hazardous tasks , experienced malfunctions in his personality subroutine s and killed his crew in 2374 . He later attacked two " Voyager " crewmembers and was forcibly taken offline . Dejaren kept a holographic fish , Spectrum , as a pet , though it is unlikely the animal was sentient . ( ) The Lokirrim also used self - aware holograms as servants or caretakers for their children . However , by the 2370s , a brutal civil war between the Lokirrim and the photonic insurgents had broken out , costing many lives and often dividing friends such as Jaryn and Emmik . ( ) The Hirogen used from " Voyager " to create simulated prey , which they could hunt again and again . These holograms were reprogrammed to experience pain , wounds and death , as well as to learn and adapt , becoming more challenging targets . Eventually , the leader of these holograms , Iden , slew his hunter and began liberating other holograms from the Hirogen and other sources . He initially wanted to settle his people on " Ha ' Dara " and form a unique culture that rejected the influence of organics , but soon sought retribution on the Hirogen . Iden was ultimately destroyed , and the other holograms were reprogrammed by Donik and Kejal . ( )