The Closest Thing to a Real Lightsaber: Exploring the Protosaber

The Origins of the Protosaber

The protosaber, created by YouTuber James Hobson, also known as the Hacksmith, represents a significant milestone in the quest to bring the lightsaber from the realm of science fiction to reality. Its design is rooted in the early days of lightsabers depicted in the “Star Wars” canon, where these weapons were powered by large packs containing a power source. This departure from the retractable blade design seen in the movies sets the protosaber apart as a unique creation.

Unveiling the Protosaber

The Hacksmith’s protosaber features a distinctive design that showcases technical ingenuity. Instead of a retractable blade, the weapon employs a large rod extending from the hilt. This rod heats up to become a fire hazard, simulating the intense energy and heat associated with lightsabers. While not an exact replica of the lightsabers seen in the “Star Wars” universe, the protosaber offers a glimpse into the possibilities of creating a weapon that harnesses intense energy and heat.

The Power Behind the Protosaber

One notable aspect of the protosaber is its power source. The battery pack used to power the weapon is incredibly powerful, weighing nearly 50 pounds. While this power source provides the energy necessary for the protosaber to function, it also contributes to its impracticality. The weight and size of the battery pack make it unsuitable for everyday use, further underscoring the challenges involved in replicating the lightsaber concept.

Inspiration from Popular Media

The Hacksmith’s protosaber is specifically modeled after Cal Kestis’ lightsaber from the “Jedi Fallen Order” video game. This demonstrates the influence of popular media in the creation of real-life lightsaber replicas. By drawing inspiration from beloved characters and their weapons, enthusiasts like the Hacksmith aim to capture the essence of the lightsaber and bring it into the tangible world.

Future Possibilities and Limitations

While the protosaber represents a significant achievement, it is vital to recognize the current limitations of technology. Creating a fully functional lightsaber with a retractable blade and the ability to generate hot plasma heated to around 12,000°F remains a daunting task. The necessary technology, such as containing the plasma on a ceramic rod with an electromagnetic coil and powering it with nanobatteries, does not currently exist.

However, experts like Dr. Michio Kaku speculate that the future may hold the potential to overcome these limitations. Dr. Kaku estimates that nanobatteries, a critical component for such advanced lightsabers, could become practical in around 50 years. This projection highlights the ongoing advancements in scientific research and the possibility of one day bringing the lightsaber concept to fruition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the protosaber developed by the Hacksmith stands as the closest approximation to a real lightsaber that has been achieved to date. Its design, inspired by the early days of lightsabers in the “Star Wars” canon, showcases technical ingenuity and creativity. However, the creation of a fully functional lightsaber as depicted in the movies remains a technological challenge that is yet to be overcome. The protosaber serves as a testament to the ongoing quest to transform science fiction into reality.

Sources:

Science World: Science of Star Wars: How Close Can We Get to a Real Lightsaber?
MovieWeb: Star Wars Fan Builds Real-Life Lightsaber and It’s Super Dangerous
Darkside Confessions: The Closest Thing to a Real Lightsaber? You Be the Judge!

FAQs

What is the protosaber and who created it?

The protosaber is the closest thing to a real lightsaber that has been created thus far. It was developed by YouTuber James Hobson, also known as the Hacksmith.

How does the protosaber differ from the lightsabers seen in the “Star Wars” movies?

Unlike the retractable blade design of lightsabers in the movies, the protosaber features a large rod extending from the hilt that heats up to become a fire hazard, simulating the intense energy and heat associated with lightsabers.

What powers the protosaber?

The protosaber is powered by a large battery pack, weighing nearly 50 pounds, which provides the energy necessary for the weapon to function. However, due to its weight and size, the battery pack is impractical for everyday use.

What is the inspiration behind the protosaber’s design?

Can the protosaber be used as a practical weapon?

No, the protosaber is not a practical or attainable weapon for fans. Its design and inherent dangers make it unsuitable for everyday use.

Is it currently possible to create a lightsaber with a retractable blade and hot plasma?

No, the technology required to create a fully functional lightsaber with a retractable blade, containing hot plasma heated to around 12,000°F, does not currently exist.

Are there any future possibilities for creating a functional lightsaber?

Experts like Dr. Michio Kaku speculate that future advancements in technology, such as the development of nanobatteries, could potentially make the creation of a functional lightsaber a reality. However, these advancements are still a long way off, with estimations of around 50 years or more.

What does the protosaber represent in the quest to create a real lightsaber?

The protosaber serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit to bring the lightsaber from the realm of science fiction to reality. While it falls short of a fully functional lightsaber, it showcases technical ingenuity and offers insights into the challenges involved in replicating this iconic weapon.