Masers are amplified microwave emitting beam weapons. Though the microwaves are emitted over a wide area, the major concentration is a tight invisible beam. The maser beam cannot be seen unless a character is wearing a pair of IR high resolution goggles (not to be confused with normal IR goggles). Anyone wearing IR high-res goggles may be temporarily or permanently blinded if looking at the maser when it is fired at them. Maser fire only does damage to living organisms, but it can heat up liquids. Maser fire penetrates any type of defensive suit or screen except maser mesh or a gridsuit.