Wondering how a Light Saber works?

As we quickly approach the official release of Star Wars Episode 3, I am sure many questions are forming in the minds of Mod-Blog readers. Perhaps most important among them is, "How do light sabers work anyway?" Well, the folks at "How Things Work" have put together a step-by-step guide to the engineering and physics of your jedi weapon.

Important Safety Information
A lightsaber is not a toy! Keep it out of reach of children at all times. Lightsaber locks are required in most states.
There are two ends to any lightsaber -- one end has the belt ring, while the other end houses the blade arc tip and blade emitter. NEVER point the blade emitter of a lightsaber toward your own body. NEVER look down the "barrel" of a lightsaber, even if you are "sure" it is in safe mode. If you accidentally activate the lightsaber, serious injury could result.

Now I understand why my home made version never worked quite right. My neighbor would have a lot more fingers today if only we had properly understood the technology. Not to mention the Cat we all renamed to "Darth Mauled."