How would a light saber really work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and potential mechanisms of how a lightsaber, as depicted in popular media, could work in reality. Participants explore various theoretical approaches and technologies that might enable such a device, including plasma and electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the possibility of creating a lightsaber as seen in movies, suggesting that while it may not be feasible, a similar weapon could be developed using existing technologies.
  • One participant proposes the idea of using multiple electromagnetic wave sources that intersect to create a harmful wave only at the point of intersection.
  • Another participant recalls previous discussions where plasma was suggested as a potential basis for a lightsaber, noting specific challenges such as heat generation, visibility issues, and efficiency in parrying other sabers.
  • There is a suggestion that the weight of the lightsaber could be a concern, potentially affecting its practicality.
  • One participant hints at the possibility of alternative forms of plasma or laser technology but indicates they will provide more details later due to time constraints.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of a lightsaber, with some believing it is not possible while others suggest it could be realized through alternative technologies. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference previous discussions and ideas, indicating a history of exploration around this topic. Specific technical challenges and assumptions about the nature of the proposed technologies are mentioned but not fully resolved.

Nicool003
well since this thread isn't in How Stuff Works yet, and it was put in Technology as a ''somewhat'' duplicate let's start off fresh.

I'll ask these questions although we discussed them a lot in the old PF for all those who haven't seen the thread I will start it off


"do you think it is possible"

"why"

"how"
"do you have any ideas as to how it would/should/could work?"
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Are u kind of addicted to this stuff Nicool ?
J/K.
Well i remember lot of good ideas were presented in the original versions of this topic.

"do you think it is possible"
I personally think it is not possible as is (like in movies).
But a very similar weapon can be made.

"why"
Because there are lot of promising technologies that could be used

"how"
"do you have any ideas as to how it would/should/could work?"
The best idea i see so far is the idea of having more than a single EM wave source, that will make EM waves that cross at a certain (adjustable) point.
The EM wave itself will be harmless, but at the point of crossing of the two EM waves intersections between waves will happen to produce a new wave that is harmfull (only at that point).

Some technologies could be used to make several points, or maybe a line of those points.
 
True I like star wars...and the technology in it!

Yes in the last thread i believe FZ suggested plasma but as he said (and I quote)

"there are three problems"

1) The handle would get rather *hot*
2) It would glow like a dun and blind poor obi-wan
3) It would parry other sabers but at times would not be so "efficient"
 
And maybe ... it will be too heavy ?
 
perhaps but perhaps not. It could be another form of plasma or perhaps a type of laser. There were many ideas but I am pretty busy now and won't be on PF for long so I will post them later.
 

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