Every once in a while red headlines circulate the Star Wars world. Someone has finally managed to unlock the complexities of building a real lightsaber. Often the news is exaggerated and we have yet to get open access to the real lightsaber.
At this point, the formation of a real lightsaber sounds like a mere fantasy. There have been advancements in the iconic lightsaber world. However, none is worth bragging.
Announcements about electromagnetics and photonic technologies flicker back hope in the hearts of lightsaber fanatics. Yet, challenges like energy concentration and unsafe temperatures dim that ray of hope.
Something similar happened to the fans who fell for Disney’s announcement about retractable lightsabers back in May 2021. The exquisite release, demonstration, and design quickly enchanted the fanatics. To the point, some were ready to throw wads of cash so they could feel the patented version in their hands.
Disney Retractable Lightsaber
A remarkable appearance was made by the director of Disney Parks and Resorts at the tech, film, and music festival South by Southwest (SXSW). Holding a retractable lightsaber was Josh D’Amaro. Abruptly, the silver hilt he was holding sprang to life, revealing a neon blue blade complete with authentic Star Wars noises.
Josh D’Amaro discussed the improvements made to the Star Wars attraction. There were many breathtaking oohs and gasps from the audience. Many Star Wars devoted fans witnessed the realization of their fantasy thinking turned into a sleek and lifelike device.
D’Amaro boasted to the crowd, “I have the coolest job in the world.”
The Real Deal!
When the incredible news spread. The lightsaber crazies could not wait to get their hands on the ‘real deal’.
To our utter disappointment, Disney announced only the performers and those who paid for the Starcruiser experience could get the special experience.
Guess what. Money was flooding in and fans were rushing to the hotel to be the first to touch the real neopixel lightsaber.
What Happened?
Disney promised an unforgettable Star Wars experience where the fans could submerge in a three-night adventure. At a hefty price, the participants were offered a plethora of games, lightsaber tutorials, and space adventures.
However, Disney Hotel, Galactic Starcruise, was unable to meet their expectations and despite the immersive experience and a growing list of galactic visitors. The hotel was shut down 19 months after its debut in Orlando.
Why Was the Impression Soiled?
There were questions about the mysterious retractable lightsaber.
If it was the retractable kind. Was the blade sturdy enough? Will it emit a plasma beam strong enough to cut through metal?
Fans wondered if the research on building the real lightsaber has come to a halt. Disney has presented the world with the lightsaber that will be the breakthrough.
However, the reality couldn’t be far from the truth. The lightsaber is a LED tube that emitted (lit up) in a unique way. Disney used the same materials and built a lightsaber that was prettier.
According to the patent filed by Michael R., The retractable blade’s fundamentals are basic and mechanical, The flexible lights are supposed to be folded up and concealed within the hilt. The light blade extends to reveal a genuine blade when the button is pressed, activating the tapes. So you can tell.
A Disney retractable lightsaber was presented in its glorified form. However, the Disney lightsaber is better than the advanced market lightsaber version. Also with better mechanics. On the other hand, The Galaxy edge lightsaber consists of a strong blade that makes dueling worthwhile.
Nothing like Darth Maul coming furiously at Qui Gon Jinn though!
Where do we stand?
Though the technology in Star Wars is more fantasy than science fiction. Scientists are attempting to make sense of the world of complicated weapons.
Photons
Fine-tuning the photonics is a new challenge for the scientists. The energy-emitting bursts of light are brought to zero temperature so they can release their energy and create an ionic plasma beam. Strong enough to last for some time.
However, the nature of photons and our requirements do not align. We have a long road ahead before scientists can maneuver the photons to act according to our lightsaber needs. Then finally we can battle duels with the same ferocity shown in Star Wars movies!
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetic research has no end in sight. The existence of TVs, trains, and satellites has brought us one step closer to comprehending the principles and constraints of electromagnetics. Electromagnetic radiation may be used to bend a light beam, producing a concentrated type of light.
Nevertheless, there won’t be enough light to melt steel and glass. It is quite a feat to incorporate energy into a focused tiny beam. However, fans have high hopes for the laser lightsabers that will create an interactive zing with our opponent’s laser beam.
Final Say
Disney is not the first to announce lightsabers that are closer to reality. Multimillion tech companies are constantly working on making the lightsabers a real weapon.
A real and safe weapon. You do not want your hands and your opponents turning red and crispy!
For now, we will take what we can get. On the brighter side, we are turning one step closer to achieving the fiction-to-reality lightsaber dream.