Post by Master Valm on Aug 26, 2005 4:08:06 GMT -5
"This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age." — Obi-Wan Kenobi
The lightsaber is the weapon of a Jedi, an elegant armament of a more civilized time. In comparison, blasters are crude, inaccurate and loud affairs. To carry a lightsaber is an example of incredible skill and confidence, dexterity and attunement to the Force.
When deactivated, a lightsaber appears as a polished metallic handle, about 30 centimeters long, lined with control studs. At the press of a button the energy contained within is liberated and forms as a shaft of pure energy about a meter long. The saber hums and scintillates with a distinct sound. Its shimmering blade is capable of cutting through almost anything, save for the blade of another lightsaber.
In the hands of a Jedi, a lightsaber is almost unstoppable. It can be used to cut through blast doors or enemies alike. Using the Force, a Jedi can predict and deflect incoming blaster bolts, and reflect them back at the firer.
After the extermination of the Jedi ranks, lightsabers became rare relics. The knowledge of their construction disappeared with their masters. Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi, built his own lightsaber as the culmination of his training.
Although use of the lightsaber is strictly reserved to the Jedi -- the only ones capable of handling the difficult weapon -- it is also used by their sworn enemies, the Sith.
Using "frozen blaster" technology, a blade of pure energy is created. The beam can cut through almost anything solid, except another lightsaber blade, the material cortosis and other force fields, an alloy used in Magna Guards' electrostaves called phrik, superconductors, and Yuuzhan Vong amphistaffs, serpent-like creatures used as melee weapons that, when snapped rigid, generate their own force fields. Mandalorian iron is known to resist the effects of a lightsaber.
The first Archaic Lightsabers were developed as a siege weapon. These required a separate power pack, which was often worn on the back. The power sources and components were miniaturized in the construction to create the simple weapon used in the later era. Using a lightsaber in combat takes skill, confidence and dexterity. Attunement to the Force is very helpful as well.
The reason for less of a variety of colors for lightsaber blades is revealed throughout several forms of media. The Empire destroyed the caves that housed the lightsaber crystals Jedi used to focus energy and create their blade's unique color. Synthetic crystals were created to replace the natural crystals found in caverns, typically having either a blue or green color. Obi-Wan Kenobi primarily wielded a blue-bladed lightsaber, while Mace Windu famously uses a purple-bladed lightsaber. One lightsaber in particular, created by the Jedi student Gantoris was violet with patterns of rainbow light rippling across its white core. The color of a lightsaber's blade is dependent upon the crystals used to focus it. Blue-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Guardians; green-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Consulars; yellow-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Sentinels; and red-bladed lightsabers are more closely associated with the Sith. However, each Jedi (or Sith) is free to choose whatever hue for their blade they wish or can acquire. Prior to the Battle of Ruusan, Jedi ignited lightsabers in every known hue. In the time after Jedi relied on more common Ilum crystals such as blue, and green. Mace Windu braved the natives of Hurikane to obtain the rare purple crystal. In the New Jedi Order Era, Jedi had a wide array of colors such as orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and light blue.
The synthetic red crystals favored by the Sith can create a marginally more powerful blade than blue or green crystals, but are not as pure due to their artifical nature and can thus be undesirable as the focus of a lightsaber. The Sith apparently had a large supply of red crystals and they also favored red as symbolism for blood.
Lightsaber Types
The very rare Great Lightsaber, similar to a standard lightsaber, had focusing crystals and a power supply producing a blade up to 300 centimeters (9.8 feet) in length.
The rare Dual-Phase Lightsaber is any lightsaber constructed to operate at two different blade lengths. Darth Vader's lightsaber is an example of this, as he has buttons on his hilt allowing him to change the blade length at will. With the help of the spirit of Exar Kun, Gantoris created such a lightsaber. Similarly Luke Skywalker adjusts the controls of his saber to produce a short, pencil-thin blade, which he uses to cut through the bolt of a door lock.
The Electrum Lightsaber is simply a lightsaber with a hilt forged from gold-like electrum. Mace Windu's lightsaber is an example of such kind.
There are also variant lightsabers with shorter handles and blades (known as Short Lightsabers or lightdaggers) that can be wielded as offhand secondary weapons or as the primary lightsaber of a small Jedi like Yoda. Some Jedi who fight with two lightsabers use the smaller version in the offhand (or weaker hand) such as Jedi Master Kavar.
Darth Maul, with a double-bladed lightsaber, battles Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi on NabooThe Double-Bladed Lightsaber or "saber-staff" is a unique variant in which the handle is about three times the length of a standard lightsaber and has two beam emitters; one at each end. The beams can be activated and deactivated independently, allowing for a lot of versatility. This weapon was invented by the Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun nearly four thousand years before the Battle of Yavin. Kun's 'saber was notable in that he was able to carefully adjust both its length, from half a meter to one and a half meters, as well as its intensity, allowing the blades' power to vary from that of a deadly blade to an intangible, harmless beam of light. The double-bladed lightsaber proved to be a very popular weapon among the Sith and Dark Jedi of Darth Revan's new Sith Empire. Besides Exar Kun, notable wielders of this weapon include Zez-Kai Ell, Jorak Uln, Uthar Wynn, Darth Bandon, Bastila Shan, Darth Maul, (possibly Jaden Korr), and Azrakel the dark warrior. Use of double-bladed lightsabers as primary weapons has been frowned upon by the Jedi because of their aggressive nature and usage. Though most Jedi double-bladed lightsabers are used for training purposes, some Jedi do specialize in their use as weapons.
Other lightsaber variants include the massive lightclub wielded by the Dark Jedi Gorc, and the lightwhip, a rare and exotic weapon used by Githany, Ona Nobis, Kit Fisto, and Lady Lumiya.
History
Lightsabers are the principal weapon of the Jedi but are also used by the Sith. After the extermination of the Jedi, lightsabers became rare relics. Their use is usually restricted to the Jedi, partially because it is too dangerous for an unskilled user, but also partly because, for non-Jedi, blasters are more effective. However, lightsabers remain prized by some collectors, and some black market sales do occur.
Typically a Jedi is given his lightsaber on his first day of training. Jedi Masters emphasize that the lightsaber is a measure of progress for an apprentice as lightsaber techniques take great skill and concentration. It is considered a final test for a Jedi student to be able to construct their own lightsaber
The crystal is the heart of the blade.
The heart is the crystal of the Jedi.
The Jedi is the crystal of the Force.
The Force is the blade of the heart.
All are intertwined:
The crystal, The blade,The Jedi.
You are one.
Training
A deviation created by the Jedi Order from standard lightsabers, the training lightsabers helped train apprentices in the use of a standard lightsaber. Training lightsabers are similar to a standard lightsaber. However, the power is greatly diminished and the size is reduced, the latter being similar to Yoda's lightsaber. Training sabers are usually white in color. Training lightsabers are used in combat education in the Jedi academy of the Old Republic. While these lightsabers are intentionally nonlethal, contact with the blade is highly painful and may be fatal.
Use
In the hands of someone trained to use the Force, a lightsaber is a powerful and versatile tool. In the hands of the untrained, however, it is far more of a danger to the user, mainly because only the hilt has mass in any detectable amount, making it difficult to judge the position of the blade accurately during use. Also, the arcing of the blade back along itself generates a gyroscopic force causing instability in the hands of the untrained, easily seen in Luke Skywalker's first experience with a lightsaber in Episode IV. A lightsaber can cut through virtually anything (blast doors and enemies alike) except another lightsaber blade (because of the other force field) and other energy fields of sufficent power. The only known exceptions to this rule are: the cortosis ore, capable of repelling or even shorting out a lightsaber blade; the metal ultrachrome a (superconductor used for ship armor hundreds of years before the Empire); phrik alloy (seen in the energy staffs of General Grevious's guard droids); and certain types of energy shields, as well as the hides and shells of certain creatures, such as the taozin and Lava Dragon, which are able to diffuse or refract the weapon's energy. Cortosis ore sets up a feedback loop in the lightsaber blade assembly, which shuts it down. It is also known that the organic weapons and armors of the extra-galactic Yuuzhan Vong are able to give marginal resistance to the blade of the lightsaber. It is known that a lightsaber blade will short out if it comes in contact with water, however a specially designed saber such as Kit Fisto's can be used underwater effectively.
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn battles Sith Apprentice Darth Maul. Using the Force, a Jedi can use his or her lightsaber to deflect and reflect incoming energy attacks, like blaster bolts and even Force Lightning, though they are ineffective against ion beams unless finely tuned to specifically deflect them, thereby rendering them ineffective against traditional energy weapons. Lightsabers are melee weapons but can also be thrown for a ranged attack and recalled through psychokinesis, a basic Jedi skill. There are many different forms of lightsaber combat, including (but not limited to) Darth Vader's Form V, which is a combination of two other Forms, Form II and Form III. There is also the basic Way of the Sarlacc or Form I, the first one learned in Jedi training. Average in defense as well as offense, it is the most common stance. Last is the 'light' style, emphasizing quick, brutal slashing attacks, but relatively low damage.
There are also the more 'exotic' ways of wielding the lightsaber as a weapon, such as the rare double-bladed lightsaber style. One of the rarest styles of lightsaber use is dual-wielding them. This style incorporates blinding fast attacks and devastating sweeps, but each individual swing is weak and easily deflected. While not really unique styles, some more experienced Jedi choose to wield their lightsabers in non-conventional ways, such as backhanded or half-backhanded like Jedi Master, Adi Gallia.Another unorthodox fighting style is used by General Grievous who can wield four lightsabers at a time because his two arms can split into four, Grievouses' almost exclusive style of fighting involves misleading the opponent with quick cunning attacks from all directions. Only the strongest of Jedi could resist the attacks from Greivous such as Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi who eventually destroyed Greivous at the Battle of Utapau.
Construction Details
The lightsaber is made up of a short polished metallic cylindrical tube (usually around 30 centimetres) that emits a beam of pure antiprotons that acts as a sword blade. All lightsabers contain some common basic components
A handgrip
An activation stud plate, button, switch, or internal Force-activated mechanism
A safety or dead-man's switch
An emitter matrix
A primary crystal (which gives the blade its hue, Adegan or Ilum crystals are most commenly used)
Up to two secondary crystals which produce different effects
A lens assembly (focusing crystals)
A blade-length adjuster (only on Dual-Phase Lightsabers)
A power cell
An Energy Gate
A power conduit
A recharge socket
cycling field energizers
A belt ring (optional)
Lightsabers are powered from the control studs by a circuits channel and focusing crystal found only in nature on the planet Ilum. Before 1,000 BBY, the Jedi also used crystals from the planet Ruusan. This appears to be a matter of tradition rather than necessity, as there are many examples of crystals from elsewhere in the galaxy being used effectively in lightsabers, particularly with the revival of Jedi Order after the downfall of the Empire. Since the Jedi control the supply of suitable crystals, the Sith use synthetic crystals that generate a red blade. Some of the early Sith had other blade colors, but as fallen Jedi they might have re-used the crystals of their old lightsabers. Luke Skywalker used a synthetic crystal in his lightsaber construction. Luke built a lightsaber with a green blade, implying that the Sith intentionally construct their crystals to produce a red blade. Green blades can also be created from Corusca Gems from the gaseous planet of Yavin or any green-hued crystal capable of withstanding the strains of having so much power flow through them. This is true of other hues, as well. Natural crystals are usually prefered to synthetic, as there have been instances of synthetic crystals failing at unfortunate times.
The Dual-Phase Lightsaber used crystals that handle differing power level requirements. These are wired to the diatium power cell, which acts like an energy source for the lightsaber. The hilt of this lightsaber rotates in such a way that it aligns the crystals, which doubles the length of the lightsaber and changes the color. Users of this lightsaber type include Anakin Skywalker, Micah Giiett, Gantoris, and Corran Horn.
A Double-Bladed Lightsaber or Lightstaff is essentially two lightsabers in a single oversized hilt. It is a very difficult weapon to handle, but extremely dangerous in the hands of a master. Notable users of double-bladed lightsabers are the Sith Lord Exar Kun and Sith apprentice Darth Maul. Kun's lightsaber was both double-bladed and dual-phase.
When the activator is pushed, internal power cells create photoelectric energy and the blade is focused from the crystal. A tight beam of anti-protons appears on command, which is focused through one, two, or three multi-faceted crystals. The activation button energizes the weapon forming a positively charged shaft of coherent packets of anti-proton energy about a meter long. The anti-protons are attracted back to the saber hilt by a negatively charged, high-energy flux aperture. The anti-proton packets are recycled to create the glowing blade by a power cell superconductor. The saber hums and scintillates with a distinct sound and has a shimmering blade. The entire functioning processes are completely contained and self-regenerative. Lightsabers only lose power when they come in contact with other objects, and thus can last nearly indefinitely.
In reality anti-protons are negatively charged so, the shaft should be negatively-charged and they should be attracted back using a positively-charged, high-energy flux aperture.
The typical design of the hilt is generally a straight tube. Count Dooku however, preferred a curved hilt, better suited for a dueling style similar to fencing.
Sometimes certain events necessitated a change in a Jedi's preferred weapon. A Jedi would modify the lightsaber or construct a new one to suit the demands of the situation at hand, such as with Mace Windu and his lightsaber after the Battle of Naboo.He built a new lightsaber because of the resemblence between his old lightsaber and Darth Mauls lightstaff.
Concordance of Fealty
"Master Eeth Koth, I have something to return to you. It is a product of your own hands, which you once entrusted to mine. In returning this lightsaber, I return your trust." — Mace Windu
The Jedi tradition of entrusting one's lightsaber to a fellow member of the order is called the Concordance of Fealty. This exchange represents a bond between companions of the Force and imparts a sense of support in battle. A Jedi is graced by such a gesture from a respected friend.
The lightsaber is the weapon of a Jedi, an elegant armament of a more civilized time. In comparison, blasters are crude, inaccurate and loud affairs. To carry a lightsaber is an example of incredible skill and confidence, dexterity and attunement to the Force.
When deactivated, a lightsaber appears as a polished metallic handle, about 30 centimeters long, lined with control studs. At the press of a button the energy contained within is liberated and forms as a shaft of pure energy about a meter long. The saber hums and scintillates with a distinct sound. Its shimmering blade is capable of cutting through almost anything, save for the blade of another lightsaber.
In the hands of a Jedi, a lightsaber is almost unstoppable. It can be used to cut through blast doors or enemies alike. Using the Force, a Jedi can predict and deflect incoming blaster bolts, and reflect them back at the firer.
After the extermination of the Jedi ranks, lightsabers became rare relics. The knowledge of their construction disappeared with their masters. Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi, built his own lightsaber as the culmination of his training.
Although use of the lightsaber is strictly reserved to the Jedi -- the only ones capable of handling the difficult weapon -- it is also used by their sworn enemies, the Sith.
Using "frozen blaster" technology, a blade of pure energy is created. The beam can cut through almost anything solid, except another lightsaber blade, the material cortosis and other force fields, an alloy used in Magna Guards' electrostaves called phrik, superconductors, and Yuuzhan Vong amphistaffs, serpent-like creatures used as melee weapons that, when snapped rigid, generate their own force fields. Mandalorian iron is known to resist the effects of a lightsaber.
The first Archaic Lightsabers were developed as a siege weapon. These required a separate power pack, which was often worn on the back. The power sources and components were miniaturized in the construction to create the simple weapon used in the later era. Using a lightsaber in combat takes skill, confidence and dexterity. Attunement to the Force is very helpful as well.
The reason for less of a variety of colors for lightsaber blades is revealed throughout several forms of media. The Empire destroyed the caves that housed the lightsaber crystals Jedi used to focus energy and create their blade's unique color. Synthetic crystals were created to replace the natural crystals found in caverns, typically having either a blue or green color. Obi-Wan Kenobi primarily wielded a blue-bladed lightsaber, while Mace Windu famously uses a purple-bladed lightsaber. One lightsaber in particular, created by the Jedi student Gantoris was violet with patterns of rainbow light rippling across its white core. The color of a lightsaber's blade is dependent upon the crystals used to focus it. Blue-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Guardians; green-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Consulars; yellow-bladed lightsabers are loosely associated with Jedi Sentinels; and red-bladed lightsabers are more closely associated with the Sith. However, each Jedi (or Sith) is free to choose whatever hue for their blade they wish or can acquire. Prior to the Battle of Ruusan, Jedi ignited lightsabers in every known hue. In the time after Jedi relied on more common Ilum crystals such as blue, and green. Mace Windu braved the natives of Hurikane to obtain the rare purple crystal. In the New Jedi Order Era, Jedi had a wide array of colors such as orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and light blue.
The synthetic red crystals favored by the Sith can create a marginally more powerful blade than blue or green crystals, but are not as pure due to their artifical nature and can thus be undesirable as the focus of a lightsaber. The Sith apparently had a large supply of red crystals and they also favored red as symbolism for blood.
Lightsaber Types
The very rare Great Lightsaber, similar to a standard lightsaber, had focusing crystals and a power supply producing a blade up to 300 centimeters (9.8 feet) in length.
The rare Dual-Phase Lightsaber is any lightsaber constructed to operate at two different blade lengths. Darth Vader's lightsaber is an example of this, as he has buttons on his hilt allowing him to change the blade length at will. With the help of the spirit of Exar Kun, Gantoris created such a lightsaber. Similarly Luke Skywalker adjusts the controls of his saber to produce a short, pencil-thin blade, which he uses to cut through the bolt of a door lock.
The Electrum Lightsaber is simply a lightsaber with a hilt forged from gold-like electrum. Mace Windu's lightsaber is an example of such kind.
There are also variant lightsabers with shorter handles and blades (known as Short Lightsabers or lightdaggers) that can be wielded as offhand secondary weapons or as the primary lightsaber of a small Jedi like Yoda. Some Jedi who fight with two lightsabers use the smaller version in the offhand (or weaker hand) such as Jedi Master Kavar.
Darth Maul, with a double-bladed lightsaber, battles Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi on NabooThe Double-Bladed Lightsaber or "saber-staff" is a unique variant in which the handle is about three times the length of a standard lightsaber and has two beam emitters; one at each end. The beams can be activated and deactivated independently, allowing for a lot of versatility. This weapon was invented by the Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun nearly four thousand years before the Battle of Yavin. Kun's 'saber was notable in that he was able to carefully adjust both its length, from half a meter to one and a half meters, as well as its intensity, allowing the blades' power to vary from that of a deadly blade to an intangible, harmless beam of light. The double-bladed lightsaber proved to be a very popular weapon among the Sith and Dark Jedi of Darth Revan's new Sith Empire. Besides Exar Kun, notable wielders of this weapon include Zez-Kai Ell, Jorak Uln, Uthar Wynn, Darth Bandon, Bastila Shan, Darth Maul, (possibly Jaden Korr), and Azrakel the dark warrior. Use of double-bladed lightsabers as primary weapons has been frowned upon by the Jedi because of their aggressive nature and usage. Though most Jedi double-bladed lightsabers are used for training purposes, some Jedi do specialize in their use as weapons.
Other lightsaber variants include the massive lightclub wielded by the Dark Jedi Gorc, and the lightwhip, a rare and exotic weapon used by Githany, Ona Nobis, Kit Fisto, and Lady Lumiya.
History
Lightsabers are the principal weapon of the Jedi but are also used by the Sith. After the extermination of the Jedi, lightsabers became rare relics. Their use is usually restricted to the Jedi, partially because it is too dangerous for an unskilled user, but also partly because, for non-Jedi, blasters are more effective. However, lightsabers remain prized by some collectors, and some black market sales do occur.
Typically a Jedi is given his lightsaber on his first day of training. Jedi Masters emphasize that the lightsaber is a measure of progress for an apprentice as lightsaber techniques take great skill and concentration. It is considered a final test for a Jedi student to be able to construct their own lightsaber
The crystal is the heart of the blade.
The heart is the crystal of the Jedi.
The Jedi is the crystal of the Force.
The Force is the blade of the heart.
All are intertwined:
The crystal, The blade,The Jedi.
You are one.
Training
A deviation created by the Jedi Order from standard lightsabers, the training lightsabers helped train apprentices in the use of a standard lightsaber. Training lightsabers are similar to a standard lightsaber. However, the power is greatly diminished and the size is reduced, the latter being similar to Yoda's lightsaber. Training sabers are usually white in color. Training lightsabers are used in combat education in the Jedi academy of the Old Republic. While these lightsabers are intentionally nonlethal, contact with the blade is highly painful and may be fatal.
Use
In the hands of someone trained to use the Force, a lightsaber is a powerful and versatile tool. In the hands of the untrained, however, it is far more of a danger to the user, mainly because only the hilt has mass in any detectable amount, making it difficult to judge the position of the blade accurately during use. Also, the arcing of the blade back along itself generates a gyroscopic force causing instability in the hands of the untrained, easily seen in Luke Skywalker's first experience with a lightsaber in Episode IV. A lightsaber can cut through virtually anything (blast doors and enemies alike) except another lightsaber blade (because of the other force field) and other energy fields of sufficent power. The only known exceptions to this rule are: the cortosis ore, capable of repelling or even shorting out a lightsaber blade; the metal ultrachrome a (superconductor used for ship armor hundreds of years before the Empire); phrik alloy (seen in the energy staffs of General Grevious's guard droids); and certain types of energy shields, as well as the hides and shells of certain creatures, such as the taozin and Lava Dragon, which are able to diffuse or refract the weapon's energy. Cortosis ore sets up a feedback loop in the lightsaber blade assembly, which shuts it down. It is also known that the organic weapons and armors of the extra-galactic Yuuzhan Vong are able to give marginal resistance to the blade of the lightsaber. It is known that a lightsaber blade will short out if it comes in contact with water, however a specially designed saber such as Kit Fisto's can be used underwater effectively.
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn battles Sith Apprentice Darth Maul. Using the Force, a Jedi can use his or her lightsaber to deflect and reflect incoming energy attacks, like blaster bolts and even Force Lightning, though they are ineffective against ion beams unless finely tuned to specifically deflect them, thereby rendering them ineffective against traditional energy weapons. Lightsabers are melee weapons but can also be thrown for a ranged attack and recalled through psychokinesis, a basic Jedi skill. There are many different forms of lightsaber combat, including (but not limited to) Darth Vader's Form V, which is a combination of two other Forms, Form II and Form III. There is also the basic Way of the Sarlacc or Form I, the first one learned in Jedi training. Average in defense as well as offense, it is the most common stance. Last is the 'light' style, emphasizing quick, brutal slashing attacks, but relatively low damage.
There are also the more 'exotic' ways of wielding the lightsaber as a weapon, such as the rare double-bladed lightsaber style. One of the rarest styles of lightsaber use is dual-wielding them. This style incorporates blinding fast attacks and devastating sweeps, but each individual swing is weak and easily deflected. While not really unique styles, some more experienced Jedi choose to wield their lightsabers in non-conventional ways, such as backhanded or half-backhanded like Jedi Master, Adi Gallia.Another unorthodox fighting style is used by General Grievous who can wield four lightsabers at a time because his two arms can split into four, Grievouses' almost exclusive style of fighting involves misleading the opponent with quick cunning attacks from all directions. Only the strongest of Jedi could resist the attacks from Greivous such as Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi who eventually destroyed Greivous at the Battle of Utapau.
Construction Details
The lightsaber is made up of a short polished metallic cylindrical tube (usually around 30 centimetres) that emits a beam of pure antiprotons that acts as a sword blade. All lightsabers contain some common basic components
A handgrip
An activation stud plate, button, switch, or internal Force-activated mechanism
A safety or dead-man's switch
An emitter matrix
A primary crystal (which gives the blade its hue, Adegan or Ilum crystals are most commenly used)
Up to two secondary crystals which produce different effects
A lens assembly (focusing crystals)
A blade-length adjuster (only on Dual-Phase Lightsabers)
A power cell
An Energy Gate
A power conduit
A recharge socket
cycling field energizers
A belt ring (optional)
Lightsabers are powered from the control studs by a circuits channel and focusing crystal found only in nature on the planet Ilum. Before 1,000 BBY, the Jedi also used crystals from the planet Ruusan. This appears to be a matter of tradition rather than necessity, as there are many examples of crystals from elsewhere in the galaxy being used effectively in lightsabers, particularly with the revival of Jedi Order after the downfall of the Empire. Since the Jedi control the supply of suitable crystals, the Sith use synthetic crystals that generate a red blade. Some of the early Sith had other blade colors, but as fallen Jedi they might have re-used the crystals of their old lightsabers. Luke Skywalker used a synthetic crystal in his lightsaber construction. Luke built a lightsaber with a green blade, implying that the Sith intentionally construct their crystals to produce a red blade. Green blades can also be created from Corusca Gems from the gaseous planet of Yavin or any green-hued crystal capable of withstanding the strains of having so much power flow through them. This is true of other hues, as well. Natural crystals are usually prefered to synthetic, as there have been instances of synthetic crystals failing at unfortunate times.
The Dual-Phase Lightsaber used crystals that handle differing power level requirements. These are wired to the diatium power cell, which acts like an energy source for the lightsaber. The hilt of this lightsaber rotates in such a way that it aligns the crystals, which doubles the length of the lightsaber and changes the color. Users of this lightsaber type include Anakin Skywalker, Micah Giiett, Gantoris, and Corran Horn.
A Double-Bladed Lightsaber or Lightstaff is essentially two lightsabers in a single oversized hilt. It is a very difficult weapon to handle, but extremely dangerous in the hands of a master. Notable users of double-bladed lightsabers are the Sith Lord Exar Kun and Sith apprentice Darth Maul. Kun's lightsaber was both double-bladed and dual-phase.
When the activator is pushed, internal power cells create photoelectric energy and the blade is focused from the crystal. A tight beam of anti-protons appears on command, which is focused through one, two, or three multi-faceted crystals. The activation button energizes the weapon forming a positively charged shaft of coherent packets of anti-proton energy about a meter long. The anti-protons are attracted back to the saber hilt by a negatively charged, high-energy flux aperture. The anti-proton packets are recycled to create the glowing blade by a power cell superconductor. The saber hums and scintillates with a distinct sound and has a shimmering blade. The entire functioning processes are completely contained and self-regenerative. Lightsabers only lose power when they come in contact with other objects, and thus can last nearly indefinitely.
In reality anti-protons are negatively charged so, the shaft should be negatively-charged and they should be attracted back using a positively-charged, high-energy flux aperture.
The typical design of the hilt is generally a straight tube. Count Dooku however, preferred a curved hilt, better suited for a dueling style similar to fencing.
Sometimes certain events necessitated a change in a Jedi's preferred weapon. A Jedi would modify the lightsaber or construct a new one to suit the demands of the situation at hand, such as with Mace Windu and his lightsaber after the Battle of Naboo.He built a new lightsaber because of the resemblence between his old lightsaber and Darth Mauls lightstaff.
Concordance of Fealty
"Master Eeth Koth, I have something to return to you. It is a product of your own hands, which you once entrusted to mine. In returning this lightsaber, I return your trust." — Mace Windu
The Jedi tradition of entrusting one's lightsaber to a fellow member of the order is called the Concordance of Fealty. This exchange represents a bond between companions of the Force and imparts a sense of support in battle. A Jedi is graced by such a gesture from a respected friend.