There are a lot of intriguing things about the Star Wars lightsaber, from being a powerful and precise weapon that can cut through almost any substance to being an extension of its wielder. As the weapon of choice for the Jedi and Sith, fans have watched many of their favorite characters engage in epic duels while wielding these plasma-filled energy blades.
But do these energy weapons ever run out of power? To answer this question, we’ll need to take a closer look at Star Wars lore to have a better understanding of what powers a lightsaber and how it works.
Contents
What Powers a Lightsaber?
In the Star Wars universe, lightsabers are powered by kyber crystals and diatium power cells placed within the saber’s hilt. These kyber crystals are what focus the energy output of the saber and give its blade colour. It is important to bear in mind that there are cases where kyber crystals don’t determine the colour of a lightsaber’s blade, like the Sith lightsabers (which get their red colour from bled kyber crystals) and ahsoka tano lightsabers, which are white as a result of the healing and purification of bled kyber crystals.
The diatium power cell which is placed underneath the kyber crystal is an extremely energy-dense power cell that acts as a battery (storing and recycling energy) for the lightsaber. It is connected directly to the focusing lens of the lightsaber, which then channels power through the kyber crystal to create coloured plasma before moving through magnetic containment rings.
Do Lightsabers Have Infinite Energy?
The simple answer is No, but the entire system designed for lightsabers is very energy efficient as only small amounts of energy are lost with the saber’s use. Basically, diatium power cells run out of energy very slowly and a lightsaber typically won’t expend any energy until it comes in contact with a solid object (human flesh, battle droids or blast doors), and when it does come in contact with something, it expends energy by transferring its heat to the target. It also exchanges energy (almost an equal amount) with the source of impact, which then naturally charges the diatium power cell.
In the Star Wars universe, Jedis, who often made use of their lightsabers would need to occasionally recharge their diatium cells at the Jedi temple. However, those who followed the true teachings of the Order and rarely used their lightsabers never needed to recharge their diatium cells as all they had to do was channel a small amount of Force energy into the power cell to keep it sustained.
How Long Can Lightsabers Stay On, and Do They Require Charging?
Lightsabers can typically charge themselves, but they do lose tiny amounts of power with every exchange and will eventually need a recharge. One of the instances where a lightsaber needed recharging was in the Star Wars Legends novel, Shatterpoint, where Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber powered down in the middle of battle due to extensive usage.
Because of the nature of the diatium power cells that are used in lightsabers, constant recharging is not needed, and with the right build and installation, a diatium power cell may even last indefinitely. In the Star Wars universe, a well-assembled normal lightsaber has a battery life of between 50-100 years.
So, Can Lightsabers Run Out of Power?
The answer to this question actually depends on how a lightsaber is built. It also takes an immense amount of power to do the things that lightsabers do. For example, in the Phantom Menace, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn almost successfully melts a hole in the metal blast doors of a ship with his lightsaber. This is something that requires an immense amount of power, and Qui-Gon Jinn’s lightsaber isn’t even the most powerful. With a battery life that varies between 50-100 years, many lightsabers can outlive their wielders or, at the very least, last for several decades before needing a recharge.
However, as we mentioned earlier, overuse can drain the power cell of a lightsaber and cause it to power down while in use (as was experienced by Master Windu in Shatterpoint).
How Replica Lightsabers are Powered
Star Wars replica lightsabers are the ultimate collectibles for fans who want to show their love and commitment to the franchise. There are different types and models of replica lightsabers on the market, and one very important feature to be on the lookout for when making a purchase is the power-saving abilities of these replica lightsabers.
Replica lightsabers are usually powered by AA batteries or Li-ion batteries (which sometimes need to be bought separately). Replicas that come with Li-ion batteries will typically need to be recharged from time to time. It is always a good idea to ensure that the replica lightsaber you buy has good power-saving abilities.
Conclusion
Lightsabers are the most iconic weapons of the Star Wars franchise, and although they mostly recharge themselves and can last for up to 100 years before needing a recharge, it is possible for them to run out of power. The way the diatium power cell of a lightsaber is initially built significantly impacts how long the power cell will last.
Replica lightsabers make use of either AA batteries or Li-ion batteries, and good power-saving abilities is one of the most important features you should look out for when buying one.
