Exploring physics of Star Wars films
I● N a galaxy not at all far away budding scientists from Runcorn have learned about Star Wars devices such as lightsabers and droids and how they stand in terms of possibility according to theory.
The group from The Heath School were welcomed by Professor Carsten Welsch, head of physics at The University Of Liverpool and head of communication for the Cockcroft Institute accelerator centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury, to explore the physics of the sci-fi mega franchise with the aim of introducing some cuttingedge subjects to sixth formers and under graduates.
Academics hosting the event had the permission from Lucasfilm to use film excerpts, these are complemented by Lego Star Wars models, a cantina, storm troopers and Darth Vader.
A University Of Liverpool spokeswoman said there is an international shortage of accelerator scientists and engineers but the North West has world-class expertise in this exciting field of science.
She added that Lucasfilm had no involvement in the preparation or delivery of the event which was organised only by staff and students from the university.
Professor Welsch said: “I have selected iconic scenes from the movies that everybody will immediately recognise, and using real world physics to explain what is science, and what is fiction.
“For example, a lightsaber as shown in the film wouldn’t be possible according to the laws of physics, but there are many exciting applications that are already real, such as laser knives for high precision surgery controlled by robot arms, and adaptive manufacturing using lasers for creating complex structures in metals.”
Dan Riley, head of physics at The Heath, said his pupils had been inspired by the trip.
He said: “Affection for Star Wars spans generations.
“Both the teachers and students were equally excited about the prospect of the event.
“Anything that gets you talking about physics and applying these ideas is a good thing.
“Many of the students were excited to pose their questions about their theories, of which there are many, about how certain scenarios would have panned out if the laws of physics were applied properly to the events of the films.
“I enjoyed an in-depth discussion with one of my Year 9s about applying the law of conservation of energy to the destruction of the Death Star and the implications on the fleeing craft.”
Professor Welsch added: “In the very first movie from 1977, the rebels have used proton torpedoes that make the Death Star explode as their lasers wouldn’t penetrate the shields.
“I have linked that to our use of ‘proton torpedoes’ in cancer therapy within the OMA project.
“Here we are using proton beams to target something that is hidden very deep inside the body and very difficult to target and destroy. For the lightsaber, there is a link to advances in lasers and laser acceleration being studied by EuPRAXIA.
“This programme is developing the world’s first plasma accelerator with industry beam quality.
“It uses a high-intensity laser pulse to drive an electron beam and accelerate this to high energies.
“Applications in science or industry for advanced lasers include for example an advanced form of 3D printing for metals.
“The light and dark side of the Force in Star Wars creates an opportunity to talk about how particle accelerators offer a glimpse into matter and antimatter interactions, a mystery of the real world that is close to fantasy.”
Mr Riley added: “We have a healthy uptake for the separate science physics course with over 60 pupils opting for this route in Years 9 and 10.
“Although we only have a small sixth form, one of our last A-level physics students achieved an A* in physics and was also entered into the physics Olympiad.”