We attempt here to give a brief explanation of the principles behind a lightsaber, by describing it in terms of its components parts. This is not a tutorial on construction of such a device. Such requires instruction from a trained master. At a future date, we hope to expand this paper to include operational aspects of a lightsaber.

SaberApprentice, May 1999, Sol 3 (Terra)

Introduction

The lightsaber is known as the weapon of a Jedi Knight. It is an elegant weapon, but requires considerable mastery and skill on the part of the wielder. Its high energy characteristics in such close range, i.e., the length of a lightsaber blade, make it extremely lethal. Typically such disciplined training is only undertaken by Jedi apprentices.

Individuals other than the Jedi have been known to construct and wield lightsabers. This is unusual in that the construction of a lightsaber is a small part of Jedi training, but cannot be attempted until a considerable amount of the training has been completed.

There is no exact formula for the construction of a lightsaber. In part, this is because it is dependent on naturally occurring irregularly-shaped crystals. Since lightsabers are individually constructed, usually by the persons who intend to use them, their construction and external design tend to reflect in some fashion on their builders.
 

Components

A lightsaber is in many ways simpler than other weapons such as blasters, given its lack of mechanical parts. However, its dependence on arc wave energy mechanics requires that it be carefully integrated together and finely tuned. A carelessly constructed lightsaber can have catastrophic effects for the wielder. They have been known to detonate upon activation, resulting in the maiming or death of the wielder.

Power Assembly

The principles behind the power source of a lightsaber are similar to those behind other hand-held weapons such as blasters. But more attention is paid to aligning the energy along the axis of the lightsaber.

• Diatium power cell - highly compact energy source; must provide very stable energy over a very long period. Such power cells are also used to power small blasters.
• Power field conductor - surrounds the power cell; causes the generated energy to be translated laterally parallel to the the axis of the lightsaber.
• Power vortex ring - surrounds to power field conductor; contains the generated energy so that virtually all of it can be used the crystal energy chamber, and ultimately, result in a more powerful blade.
• Inert power insulator - surrounds the power vortex ring. Provides very high resistance against energy conductance to any potential external energy carriers. It thereby works with the power vortex ring to maximize available energy.
• Energy gate - emitter to crystal energy chamber; sits directly in the path of the primary crystal.

Crystal Energy Chamber

The energy from the power assembly is directed through the energy gate and into the crystals of the crystal energy chamber. The highly chaotic wide-spectrum energy which enters the chamber is transformed into narrow-spectrum energy, giving the lightsaber blade its distinct color and power/energy characteristics.

Virtually any naturally occurring crystals may be used. But the resonance and spectrum narrowing characteristics vary with the material properties of the crystal. Kaiburr crystals are preferred, but are extremely rare.

• Primary crystal - provides the primary frequency of the energy beam which is fed to blade generation.
• Focusing crystals - additional crystals to direct the energy beam toward blade generation. These often provide secondary frequencies, resulting in changes in color of the blade.
• Focusing crystal activator - engages focusing crystals. Individual focusing crystals may have individual activators.

Blade Generation

Energy from the crystal energy change is converted into arc wave energy, which is visible as the blade of the lightsaber.

The power and length of the blade may be adjusted to fit the specific circumstances, depending on the energy output of the material that the blade will encounter. Most common materials are relatively low energy compared to a lightsaber blade. Other the other hand, encounter with another lightsaber blade calls for higher energy, and therefore higher power output, characteristics.

• Blade energy channel - a long, hollow chamber where arc wave generation takes place.
• Cycling field energizers - energizers which are external and parallel to the blade energy chamber. Modulation of these results in the crystal energy chamber output being converted into arc wave energy.
• Energy modulation circuits - provides feedback to drive the cycling field energizers.
• Blade arc tip - tip of blade energy chamber. From this point, the arc wave energy becomes a visible blade.

Operational Aspects

[To be expanded.]

Although the blade of a lightsaber has no mass, the stabilization of the arc wave characteristics of the blade make it a challenge to handle.
 

References

Kevin J. Andserson and Rebecca Moesta. 1996. Lightsabers. Boulevard Books, New York, N.Y.

David West Reynolds. 1998. Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary. DK Publishing, New York, N.Y.

anonymous. 20 ABY. Lightsaber Principles and Construction. Coruscant, New Republic.