Knights of the Older Republic

Yes, the "lightsaber" is a misnomer. Rather than being made of light, it is actually an ionized ferrous stream. For
non-science people, that means it's basically an adjustable length plasma torch. The magnetic qualities of the
plasma are held in place by a very powerful magnetic field. The focusing crystal just changes the color and some
minor physics of the blade.

This is actually a proven technology. You could build a lightsaber if you wanted to. However, you would have to
get a very powerful magnet, a very powerful battery, and a magnetic plasma. Furthermore, your "lightsaber"
would be heavy, large, and require a great deal of swordsmanship skills to avoid hurting yourself. LucasArts
wasn't kidding when it said you had to be a Jedi to use one.

I take my leave.