Cochrane distortion is a type of sensor-blocking radiation byproduct that can be used to jam or deflect low-power sensors.

In 2379, while the USS Enterprise-E was stationed at Tezwa, Geordi La Forge and Jim Peart detected a large reading of Cochrane distortion from a warehouse in Odina-Keh and theorized that the radiation plus the clearing of utility and bio readings indicated a terrorist stronghold. (TNG novel: A Time to Heal)