Sci Fi Science - Designing a Lightsaber

Today on Far Future Horizons we are going to look at the possibility of designing a working light-saber. The lightsaber, as every science fiction fan knows, is a weapon which has a key role in the Star Wars movies and the franchise's expanded universe.

The lightsaber consists of a polished metal hilt which projects a blade of energy about one meter long. The lightsaber is the signature weapon of the Jedi order and their Sith counterparts, both of whom can use them for offence, or to deflect blaster bolts. In today’s episode of Sci Fi Science, Dr. Michio Kaku reveals how we could one day build a light saber using the knowledge of twenty-first century physics and engineering. 

How does the lightsaber work?

The first and second seasons of Sci Fi Science, hosted by Dr. Michio Kaku is a available on DVD from the Discovery Channel’s online store.

Cutaway view of the Lightsaber

Sci Fi Science - Designing a Lightsaber
Copyright Disclaimer Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.