Ionized Optics

"The Ionized Optics uses miniaturization techniques to unify Focused Optics and Ion Modulator technology."

General
"Combined together, Ionized Optics increase your Energy weapons' range and shield damage."

- Sybil

Ionized Optics are a combination of Ion Modulator and Focused Optics, providing your weapons with more shield damage and maximum range.

Advantages
"Get the best of both worlds with Ionized Optics."

- Event Store

Ionized Optics are excellent at increasing the effectiveness of your Energy weapons. The extra shield damage is useful against cruisers that often have heavy shielding, while the increased range makes your ships much more difficult to kite.

It saves one special slot compared to using Ion Modulator and Focused Optics separately, leaving your ships room to equip a thruster, cargo hold or yet another weapon boost.

Disadvantages
Ionized Optics take up a lot of mass. The extra shield damage is unhelpful against heavily-armored enemies such as modules and Xeno Division Hulls, making it a waste of mass.

Ionized Optics have slightly less range potential compared to Focused Optics, giving skilled opponents the opportunity to kite your ships, especially in battleship fights.

Trivia

 * As of April 2017, Ionized Optics no longer has a penalty to health damage.