In the Star Wars franchise, lightsabers are iconic weapons used primarily by Jedi Knights and Sith Lords. While lightsabers are fictional and do not exist in our current scientific understanding, the franchise has provided some explanations and concepts that offer a glimpse into the science behind lightsabers. It's important to note that these explanations are fictional and do not align with our current scientific knowledge.
Energy Blade: Lightsabers are depicted as having a blade made of pure energy contained within a magnetic field. The energy is emitted from a hilt and forms a blade of intense light that can cut through various materials. The exact nature of this energy is not specified in detail within the Star Wars universe.
Kyber Crystals: Kyber crystals are often mentioned as the source of a lightsaber's power. These crystals are depicted as rare and naturally occurring, with different colors representing the crystal's alignment with the Force. Jedi and Sith choose their crystals and construct their lightsabers around them. The crystals are said to resonate with the Force and channel energy to create the blade.
Plasma Blade: Some explanations propose that the blade of a lightsaber is made of contained plasma. Plasma is a state of matter in which gas is ionized, forming a superheated, highly energetic substance. The containment of this plasma is attributed to a magnetic field generated by the lightsaber's internal mechanisms.
Power Cell and Energy Focus: Lightsabers are believed to require a power cell to provide energy for the weapon's operation. This power cell could be a battery or an energy source unique to the Star Wars universe. The energy is focused and emitted through a series of internal mechanisms that generate the magnetic field and contain the plasma.
Magnetic Field and Blade Length: The magnetic field created within a lightsaber is responsible for containing and shaping the energy blade. The blade's length can be adjusted by the Jedi or Sith wielding the lightsaber, suggesting some control over the magnetic field.
It's worth noting that the Star Wars franchise does not provide detailed scientific explanations for lightsabers, and the focus is primarily on the fantasy and storytelling aspects. Lightsabers are fictional devices that adhere to the rules of the Star Wars universe rather than our real-world scientific principles.