Phase variance A phase variance is a term applicable to phenomena or technologies that show wave - like properties . In 2268 , a Kalandan molecular transporter reassembled the out of phase by 0 . 0009 . ( ) In 2368 , on Devidia II , crew of the devised a method of moving into the time continuum of the Devidian s by phase - shifting to the positive phase variance of 0 . 004 percent . Data was enveloped in a contained subspace force field created by a subspace generator . By adjusting the synchronic distortion of the field with the phase discriminator in his positronic brain he phase - shifted himself . The procedure was repeated for other members of the crew using a tricorder modified to interface with the subspace generator , containing a custom built phase discrimination . It was theorized in both instances that the phase displacement was not precise enough to synchronize the " Enterprise " crew to the Devidians perceptual range , even though the " Enterprise " personnel could see them when phased . ( ) When attempting to transport Telek R ' Mor through a micro - wormhole in 2371 , the crew were hindered by a strange phase variance in the radiation stream , caused by the fact that the two ends of the wormhole were in separate time periods . ( ) Also in 2371 , B ' Elanna Torres reported a phase variance in plasma conduit 3 that she wanted to check out before engaging thruster s , in an attempt by Torres , Seska and Carey to cover an illicit attempt to remain in the planets orbit to use a spatial trajector to shortcut 40 , 000 light year s closer to the Alpha Quadrant . ( ) The interphase used by the Voth produce a localized spatial fluctuation with modulating phase variance . This allowed the " Voyager " crew to detect Forra Gegen and Tova Veer aboard their ship in 2373 . ( ) In 2374 , B ' Elanna Torres determined that adjusting the sensor s to a phase variance of 0 . 15 would allow them to detect the phased Srivani that had infiltrated " Voyager " . The Doctor later adjusted Seven of Nine ' s sensory node s to do the same . ( ) Later that year , Torres speculated that a phase variance in the transporter was responsible for igniting a sample of protomatter that Neelix had attempted to collect from a class 1 nebula . ( ) When " Voyager " constructed an experimental quantum slipstream drive in 2375 , a 0 . 42 phase variance in the slipstream threshold emerged during testing , enough to overload the quantum matrix and force the starship out of slipstream with catastrophic results . After much discussion , Harry Kim proposed having the " Delta Flyer " stay ahead of " Voyager " , mapping the slipstream threshold as it forms and relaying phase corrections to dampen the variance . During the initial flight , the phase variance emerged as in the tests . However , the phase corrections were unable to compensate for the rising phase variance , causing the failure of " Voyager " s helm controls and leaving the slipstream on the verge of collapse . Seven of Nine received a new set of phase corrections through her cranial implant s that deactivated the drive . Along with the corrections was a message from a future Harry Kim in an alternate timeline . " In the older Kim ' s timeline , the phase variance caused the slipstream to collapse , throwing " Voyager " into normal space to crash on a Class L planet in the Takara sector , with the loss of all aboard . He had initially attempted , without success , to correct the phase variance so that " Voyager " could remain in the slipstream and return to the Alpha Quadrant , as he and Chakotay had in the " Flyer " - but when this failed , The Doctor , reactivated from " Voyager " s wreckage to assist in the attempt , convinced Kim to abandon this impossibility and " settle " for safely ending the ill - advised flight . " ( )