| A science fiction archetypical technology is one of those technologies which are either so basic or useful that they are present in a large portion of all science fiction.
Some examples: FTL travel, real AI, compatible computers, Bussard ram-jet, gravity control, offensive lasers, refrigeration lasers, cold fusion, cryogenics that work, nanobots, stasis, fusion, nuclear transmutation, cheap, cheap construction, and more!
Larry Niven is nifty because in his Known Space Universe, he explores nearly all types of science fiction archetypical technological. David Brin is also nifty, because his Uplift series utilizes these. | 
