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Is it possible to create a lightsaber from the point of view of modern science?
Due to the extensive technical description created by the writers, we have a pretty good idea about how to can arranged lightsaber. And now a few decades, millions of fans of the universe of "Star Wars" dream of creating such technology. Let's see, in some approximation modern science to create a weapon a la lightsaber?
Here is the "original" in the context of a lightsaber. I>
To begin with we shall understand what's inside the Jedi lightsaber. Despite the name, this weapon is a ray of light is not. This is the wrong term (if at all possible to speak of the error in this case) of the same order as the "shooting star" in relation to a meteoric bodies burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Poetic, but no more. The most correct description of the operating principle of the lightsaber will include: creating a plasma arc that uses a magnetic field and focusing crystal is "pulled" is held in the form of a long thin line. But we must bear in mind that here was involved something very similar to the power used by the Jedi and the Sith to manipulate physical objects.
As an illustration from real life can lead here this arc, which changes its shape under the influence of a magnetic field while playing music:
Another example of the arc:
It is possible to imagine how this arc "taken" in the middle and pulled about a meter, turning in "Blade" sword. Although in reality it is a very difficult task, but to this we shall return.
We are already using technology very similar to that described above principle of action lightsaber. For example, in the apparatus for cutting metal in factories around the world use "ray" superhot plasma (up to 40 000 degrees).
This diagram shows the plasma torch device, and it is similar to what can be arranged as a lightsaber. Unfortunately, the similarity ends. Formed by the arc is very small in size (in the diagram it is labeled blue line). It ignites the gas is supplied under pressure, which acts as a heat transfer medium, dissipating the energy of the arc to the outside.
The main "negative" of the plasma torch, from the point of view of our problem is a very small amount of the arc. At best it can "stretch" to 12-15 cm. Furthermore, these devices consume huge amounts of electricity. Torch nozzle must be constantly cooled with running water, otherwise it will melt very quickly. In some torches gas stream acts as the cathode, and the cut surfaces - as an anode. As a result, the plasma arc is relatively long and placed outside the machine. But in any case, such as a weapon to use plasma torches will not work. At least because first you have to connect to your opponent high voltage cable.
So far we do not have the technology to pull and hold the arc by a magnetic field. Even if you pull it out of a hypothetical arm, it will be unstable, constantly leaning to the side in a random order, trying to "stick" to the nearest surface.
Further, since the arc will be very elongated loop located at a small distance from each other and the branches merge simply shortened arc again. But even if we somehow solve both problems described above, we have other: a powerful heat loss and non-material, if I may say so, the nature of the arc, that is, with its help it is impossible to block or parry enemy weapons.
