The lightsaber is an iconic sci-fi weapon that has captivated fans for decades. It’s the Jedi’s primary sword in the movies and has appeared in various other media, such as comics and video games.
In Star Wars, younglings go to the frozen planet Ilum in search of kyber crystals, which they use to create their first lightsabers. It’s a magical ritual that’s both mechanical and spiritual.
Power Source
Lightsabers are potent weapons that can slice through just about anything. They are the signature weapon of force-sensitive characters (Jedi and Sith) and are used in battles between good and evil.
They can only be wielded by Jedi and Sith, who have attained a high level of mastery in the Force. The blade of a lightsaber is powered by a Kyber crystal, which is also a conduit for the Force and continually recharges an internal power cell (battery).
These rare Force-sensitive crystals are the spiritual heart of a lightsaber and are said to bond with a Jedi or Sith as they tune them, changing their colour to show their nature. For example, a Jedi’s blade is usually blue or green to represent peace and harmony, while a Sith’s blade is red for strength and power.
Once a Jedi or Sith connects with and tunes their lightsaber’s Kyber crystal, the energy from the diatium power cell flows through this channel into the plasma blade. This energised blade can cut through almost any material and easily slice through blast doors.
The power source of a lightsaber is made up of a diatium power cell and a series of components surrounding it. The diatium power cell converts the energy it receives into a “spark” that will activate the lightsaber blade. The point from the diatium power cell is a powerful energy source and can cut through most materials, but other energy sources must supplement it to make the blade work.
It includes the power field conductor that works with the diatium power cell to create a magnetic field around it and the power vortex ring, which controls and directs energy flow from the power cell. It is an essential part of the power source since it contains the energy sent to the Kyber crystal.
Regardless of the exact mechanism, the power cell must be very high-output to provide enough energy for a lightsaber to work. It means that the power cell must have a long cycle life to outlast the lifetime of the wielder.
Hilt
The hilt of a lightsaber is part of the weapon that controls the blade. It holds the activator switch, emitter shroud, pommel cap, focusing lens, and power switch. It also houses the batteries that power it and keeps it running.
The shape and size of a lightsaber hilt are crucial to its function. For example, a tiny, narrow hilt will allow users to spin and twirl the saber around their heads more quickly than a more comprehensive, broad one. Choke points are also important, allowing a master to control where the blade hits its opponent.
In Star Wars, a lightsaber hilt is typically cylindrical and straight, although there are some unusual variations. A typical example is a double-bladed lightsaber, such as the one used by Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace or Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones. A dual-phase lightsaber, which allows its user to adjust the length of the blade, is also standard.
Many lightsaber hilts are forged from metal. However, the most popular handles are crafted from gold-like electrum, giving them a majestic appearance. These hilts were considered the highest quality by Jedi and Sith Orders and were often reserved for those who had made it to the rank of Jedi Master or higher.
Some saber hilts are also made from exotic materials. For example, a Langanok is a crackling, whip-like lightsaber only seen in the hands of dark-side users. This type of sabre is incredibly intimidating and terrifying to use.
It is also difficult to destroy and is known to be resistant to damage, making it an ideal choice for many Force users. However, it is commonly seen in the hands of Nightsisters and other dark-side fighters and can be a deadly weapon to strike with.
Another saber type is the fire saber, which can be very unstable and blow up in the hands of its user. It can be a severe disadvantage in combat, especially compared to a dual-phase or other advanced type of lightsaber, but some Jedi still use it.
Crystals
The lightsaber blade is crafted with a variety of different crystals. These can range from traditional blue and green crystals to those with special powers.
These are for aesthetic purposes and to change how a weapon performs. They can affect a weapon’s focus, strengths and weaknesses and even alter its blade properties.
Most lightsaber crystals are made from a combination of minerals and Force energy that is infused into them. They are also formed in large furnaces. However, they require a solid connection with the Force to create.
While most lightsaber crystals are natural, there are also rare instances where synthetic ones can be created. The Sith and Darksiders generally use this as a powerful means to augment their Force capabilities.
Lightsaber blades with crystals can be made of various colours, including red, green, purple, white and blue. In addition, many crystals can be crafted with different colour effects.
During the early days of the Jedi Order, lightsaber blades were constructed using only blue and green crystals. It was a sign of their chosen path, with a blue edge indicating a Jedi Guardian and a green one a Jedi Consular.
When a Jedi first connects with its crystal, it can see a glow that changes depending on its Force strength and the blade’s ability to absorb its power. This glow is called “focus” and can signify that the crystal is meant for them.