Z-90 hardlight shield

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The Z-90 Photonic Coalescence Emitter/Aegis,^[1] more commonly known as the Hardlight Shield,^[1] is a Forerunner anti-personnel shielding system. Like other examples of hard light technology, it works by using a photon emitter to fuse light particles into a dissipative barrier.^[1]

Hardlight shields are frequently employed by the ground forces of the mechanical Prometheans, with Watchers providing different types of shield for Knight and Crawlers in combat. This technology has been adapted for use with the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, allowing Spartans to use the shield to protect themselves from incoming fire. While using the Hardlight Shield, a Spartan is unable to use weapons, and the MJOLNIR's energy shields are prevented from recharging until the Hardlight Shield dissipates.

Trivia

The designation "Aegis" is likely a reference to the Aegis, a shield carried by several divine figures in Greek mythology.
The hardlight shield is very similar in practice to the Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet. However, Kig-Yar shields are made of shaped plasma, as the Covenant never properly reverse-engineered hardlight technology.
The in-game armor ability can be effectively angled to return an opponent's shot (everything from small arms fire to grenades, rockets, and even tank rounds) to him/her. This is difficult to pull off however, as the shield must be activated at exactly the right time and at the right angle.
The Hardlight Shield resembles a real-world riot shield in design and purpose. Some players refer to it as such in-game.

Gallery

HUD Icon of the Hardlight Shield.
Concept art of the Hardlight Shield.
Stages of an active Hardlight Shield.
View of the Hardlight Shield module.
The Hardlight Shield activated viewed from the front.
A Hardlight Shield changing to a red color, indicating damage or energy drain from constant use.
A SPARTAN-IV deploying a hardlight shield during gameplay.
The front of a deployed hardlight shield in Halo 4 gameplay.
A Watcher placing a hardlight shield in front of a Promethean Knight.
Master Chief projecting a hardlight shield in front of himself while battling a Promethean Knight.
A Promethean Watcher defends a Knight with a Hardlight Shield against an attacking Spartan.