A hand pulse was a small handheld weapon which emitted an electromagnetic pulse. The weapon was typically used to destroy or disable a form of Cyberman.
Another version was seen at some point in the future, for use against the Cybermen of N-Space. Developed during the Cyber-Wars, this weapon was used by soldiers stationed on Hedgewick's World of Wonders against the newly returned (and improved) Cybermen. The Eleventh Doctor himself used a modified hand pulse to remove the Cyber-Planner who had attempted to take over his mind. (TV: Nightmare in Silver)