Based on pre-existing Federation Starfleet personal phaser designs, the "Nakada"-type pulse phaser is the standard issue for Imperial Starfleet officers, and the most powerful weapon of its kind.  This weapon can emit a highly concentrated charge in a single pulse (up to a level-16 equivalent on Federation phasers), able to vaporize entire bodies or objects of comparable size, mass & density, although higher settings require longer recharge duration (up to 2.5 seconds).  While the sidearm is typically favored for ease of use, rifles (standard issue for Assault Teams and intense combat situations) offer more accurate targeting at greater range and shorter recharge time.  Certain sidearm models worn by command-level officers and higher-ranking security personnel also feature autotracking functions, including bioscan-lock and repeat-target mode, enabling the weapon to target independently of the user.  (In such cases the user must still be facing in the direction of the target.)

 

Note: Imperial Starfleet regulations permit only officers and security personnel to carry standard-issue sidearms (as opposed to noncoms and sub-officer ranks).  However, as with many Starfleet regulations in the Empire, this rule is often ignored, and those who aren't issued standard phasers carry their own custom weapons (at risk of having them confiscated and being punished for their possession).  Additionally, phasers offer a sophisticated array of settings requiring complex knowledge of their operation; for this reason many tend to favor more simplistic firearms.  Personal phasers can also be deactivated immediately by the ship's computer upon attempted unauthorized discharge.  Due to these factors, the standard-issue dagger remains popular for close-quarters combat.