A Star Wars Dream Turned Reality
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Building a real-life lightsaber may seem like an impossible dream, but YouTuber Alex Burkan has made it a reality. The Russian creator, known for his channel Alex Lab, has earned a Guinness World Record for creating the first retractable lightsaber, a device that fans of the Star Wars franchise have long fantasized about.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Burkan's invention, which features a plasma blade capable of cutting through steel, is a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of DIY technology. The blade measures 3.28 feet in length and can reach scorching temperatures exceeding 5000°F. This extraordinary creation is not just a visual marvel; it's a functional tool that showcases the power of modern engineering.
In an interview with Guinness World Records, Burkan shared his lifelong passion for Star Wars and his determination to create the iconic lightsaber. His journey began in 2013, focusing on hydrogen generation equipment. Over the years, he collected ideas and spare parts from internet markets and scrap yards, gradually piecing together his vision.
The Science Behind the Lightsaber
The core component of Burkan's lightsaber is an electrolyser, a device that generates large amounts of hydrogen and oxygen and compresses the gas without a mechanical compressor. This modern technology splits water into its constituent gases, which are then used to power the lightsaber.
The development process was fraught with challenges. Burkan had to construct a system that could contain high-pressure equipment and fit a hydrogen and oxygen burner into the lightsaber's handle. The final and most difficult task was to integrate the entire gas distribution system into the compact handle, inspired by the Starkiller lightsaber from "The Force Unleashed" video game.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite its impressive capabilities, Burkan's lightsaber has limitations. It can only operate at full power for 30 seconds, and the hydrogen torch's stability is still a work in progress. Additionally, there are safety concerns, as the lightsaber can sometimes experience hydrogen flashback, causing it to "blow up" in the user's hand.
A Global Pursuit of a Shared Dream
Burkan is not the only Star Wars enthusiast attempting to bring the lightsaber to life. Hacksmith Industries has also created a version of the weapon, powered by tanks of liquid propane and oxygen gas stored in a small backpack. Both inventors, though working independently and using different approaches, have contributed to making the dream of a Jedi lightsaber a reality.
Reflecting on his achievement, Burkan expressed his excitement about the simultaneous pursuit of this dream by people around the world. He said, "The most crazy thing is that we made them almost simultaneously. Isn’t it cool that two guys from different parts of the world dream about one thing that doesn’t even exist?"
Alex Burkan's creation of the world's first retractable lightsaber is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of dreams. His journey from a Star Wars fan to a Guinness World Record holder is inspiring, showcasing what can be achieved with passion, persistence, and a bit of technological know-how.
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Vertical Bar Media
If you're inspired by Burkan's innovative spirit and want to explore more about the intersection of creativity and technology, check out Vertical Bar Media.
Source: Unilad
Photo Credit: YouTube/ALEX LAB / Guinness World Records
Social Media Hashtags: #Lightsaber #StarWars #DIYTech #InnovativeEngineering
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