Test cylinder
A Starfleet test cylinder was a standard 24th century mechanism used to test the correct working of a transporter. Multiple types of test cylinders were available, including pure duranium models, and other more advanced ones with a varietal molecular matrix that simulates most known organic and inorganic compounds. (; )

During the 23rd century, inert material was used do test transports. Such material, including boxes, crates, and cylinders were used to test the viability of the transporter aboard the  in 2267. ()

Test cylinder technology was not classified and the Romulans had a similar device during the 2350s. ()

Test cylinders were used in 2366 in an effort to overcome the effects that hyperonic radiation had on transporters. Chief engineer Geordi La Forge, transporter chief Miles O'Brien and Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher went through several test cylinders (all melting to various degrees) before realizing that it would take 15 years of research and about one hundred personnel to make it work. ()

Following the discovery of a micro-wormhole, proposed by Tom Paris to be named the Harry Kim wormhole, in the Delta Quadrant by the  in 2371, it was determined that a transporter signal could be transmitted via a microprobe relay lodged in the micro-wormhole, towards to other end. With the assistance of a signal amplifier aboard the Romulan science vessel Talvath, located in the Alpha Quadrant, a test cylinder was used to determine the safety of the transport. After more than twenty successful transports it was deemed safe to transport a test subject through the micro-wormhole. ()

de:Testzylinder
fr:Cylindre de test
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