Questions and Answers

Is possible to make a "real" light saber like in the Star Wars movies?

Nice idea, but nothing like it really exists. For example, if it were a laser beam why does it just stop at the end of the saber? Light just keeps on going. If it were to have the power capability of slicing through metal bars (and people) it would have to have LOTS of power behind it. Big commercial lasers can cut through steel 1/16th of an inch thick although fairly slowly (1/2" cut a second or so) but these devices are bigger than a refrigerator and have a VERY BIG power cord plugged into the wall. Still, I always thought it would be a neat way to cut down tree limbs.

Author:

George Neil, Free Electron Laser

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