Grapple ray, not to be mistaken with grapple gun, is often used terminology for a science fiction projectile that shoots glowing nets possibly made out of plasma to subdue an opponent. Possibly derived from a type of heat-ray mode from H.G. Wells classic The War of the Worlds, Grapple rays can be used by any means of projectile. Grapple rays are sometimes seen in comics, movies, and science fiction as a way to subdue someone.
Grapple Ray in fiction
In the videogame series of Mortal Kombat, Cyrax uses a grapple net that glows.
The Laroo, an alien race in Green Lantern comics, use grapple rays as their primary weapon of choice.
References
Grapple Ray Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA