Post created by: Anna
Lightsabers—the most powerful and sought-after weapon of all science fiction. They seem simple enough to understand in the Star Wars canon (albeit rather difficult to wield). However, in reality, they are the product of masterfully-crafted physics. Firstly, the lightsaber involves nuclear fusion to generate such large amounts of energy. However, the collision of blades with different magnetic fields would result in an explosive release of plasma. On top of that, if one were wielding a lightsaber during a lightning storm, the chances of being struck would be far greater. With as dangerous as the lightsaber really is, maybe it’s okay that we don’t have the technology for it yet.
The energy of the lightsaber that allows for such intense duels that take place in Star Wars, is actually produced by nuclear fusion. This process is characterized by the collision of atomic nuclei which then form a new nucleus—releasing very large amounts of energy. According to the Institute of Physics, “Fusion requires incredible temperatures so that the positively charged atomic nuclei can overcome their tendency to repel each other” (Archer). The heat emits electromagnetic radiation at varying levels. These differences in temperature create various colors, thus accounting for the shade of a lightsaber’s glow. It is worth noting, however, that since red indicates lower temperatures and blue higher, the latter will be more powerful. While the mechanics behind a lightsaber may make such technology seem feasible, the power necessary would be more than what a small lightsaber hilt could contain (Archer).
If the immense energy it would take for fusion to occur within a small stream of plasma wasn’t enough for you to question the safety of a lightsaber, take heed that it would be almost impossible to avoid the explosive release of plasma when two sabers strike. This phenomenon is known as magnetic reconnection, and it occurs as the magnetic field of one plasma comes into contact with another, causing everything to realign into a new magnetic configuration (see image below). This is the basic mechanic behind the aurora or northern lights. When two blades of plasma clash such as what we see in a Star Wars duel, huge amounts of energy are released, so much so that after the first lightsaber strike, both opponents would be vaporized (Archer).
So in essence, we can see that lightsabers aren’t just a danger to those wielding them, but also to those nearby. Introducing lightning into the picture, unfortunately, doesn’t help matters. Since plasmas are great conductors of electricity, even being comparable to most metals, a lightsaber “...would essentially provide a low resistance path for currents to flow to the ground, just like a lightning rod” (Archer). So lightsabers may not actually be able to hold their own against lightning, but actually put the user at a disadvantage.
Dr. Archer, Martin, “Fundamental Flaws with Lightsabers… from a Plasma Physics Perspective.” Institute of Physics, Dec. 2017.
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