Can Lasers Really Create a Functional Light Saber?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating a functional light saber using lasers, specifically through the application of the inverse square law. It is established that while thousands of micro lasers could theoretically produce a single beam, this would not result in a true light saber as depicted in movies. The conversation highlights the complexity of arranging lasers to achieve a coherent beam and suggests exploring phased array radar technology and Huygen’s wavelets for better understanding of coordinated light sources.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the inverse square law in physics
  • Familiarity with laser technology and micro laser configurations
  • Knowledge of phased array radar systems
  • Basic principles of Huygen’s wavelets
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  • Research the principles of phased array radar technology
  • Study the application of Huygen’s wavelets in optics
  • Explore advanced laser configurations and their practical applications
  • Investigate the limitations of laser beam coherence and energy distribution
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Physics enthusiasts, optical engineers, and anyone interested in advanced laser technology and its theoretical applications.

pete94857
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TL;DR
Mirco lasers, inverse square law.
I believe using the inverse square law it would be possible to produce a light saber made from lasers. By placing thousands of micro laser side by side a limited length beam could be formed but the combined energy would produce a seemingly single beam with the total energy accumulated from all the micro lasers.
 
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That won’t make a light saber (if by that you mean something like from the movies). Arrange your lasers properly and we can get a single laser beam extending out to infinity and weakening according to the inverse square law, but that’s just a single laser done in an unnecessarily complicated and difficult way.

For a more interesting application of multiple coordinated light sources, you might try reading about how phased array radar beams are steered, and also learn about “Huygen’s wavelets” which will be the general principle behind all such arrangements of light sources.

This thread is closed, as it based on a misunderstanding.
 
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