Invented late in Era-0 in human dominated space (and independently invented in the E1MS long ago), Magnetically Amplified Plasma (MAP) technology is the basis for much of the galaxy's weaponry.  

The main feature of the technology is to take the same plasma that forms the exhaust of most space drives, and use magnetic fields to intensify and constrain it.  MAP is commonly used in weapons because the high temperature of the plasma can burn most targets, and its electrical charge has a chance of disabling electrical systems.  MAP technology generally takes two forms:

MAP Beams focus plasma into a coherent beam which is fired out of a gun or cannon.  This forms a brightly glowing beam with a great deal of energy.  The high speed with which the plasma is fired gives it substantial impact momentum as well, even though the amount of material being fired is small.

Plasma Blades are the other main application of MAP technology.  A plasma blade is constructed of two main components.  The generator holds the power source, and generates the plasma, and the antenna (which contains a nano-engineered electromagnet) acts as a guide and holds the hot plasma in place.