If there is an object coveted by all Star Wars fans, that is undoubtedly the lightsaber. Whether you are 10 or 60 years old, the predilection for lightsabers knows no barriers (or age). Used by the Jedi Knights throughout the saga, they seemed an impossible object to imitate in real life. However, Disney theme park director Josh D’Amaro has unveiled the first “real” lightsaber.
During the SXSW (South by Southwest) film festival held in Austin, Disney’s Director of Parks and Experiences showed the unthinkable, a real laser sword. Josh D’Amaro wielded the weapon live to the amazement of everyone there and people were quick to capture it on video for social media.
And the executive was having a blast: “I love to light it up as much as possible”, he said while holding the lightsaber. If you also want to be like him and carry one of these swords, it’s difficult but not impossible. The device will be part of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a hotel located at the Walt Disney World Resort that offers a themed experience based on the famous franchise.
But how does this lightsaber work?
As you may have noticed, this saber perfectly recreates the weapons we see in the Star Wars movies. Unlike the ones they currently sell, we do not have a luminescent glass or plastic rod, but the light comes directly from the handle. How does the magic happen?
For the moment, no one at Disney wants to say anything, but some time ago, a patent was leaked on the Internet that would explain how this saber would work. In theory, the handle would contain a coil of translucent material wound with LED lights. When activated, it would unfold outwards and recreate the illusion of the lightsaber. Below is a video showing in detail the operation of such mechanics.
