A verteron probe was a device used to emit a massive verteron pulse and disable warp-powered vessels. Such devices were used by Hekaran scientists Serova and Rabal in 2370 to mine the Hekaras Corridor, in an attempt to gain the attention of the Federation, and present their case that repeated exposure of the region to warp field energy was causing severe ecological damage to their homeworld. (TNG: "Force of Nature" )