"... back-directed light is the result of partial self-reflection of the forward-traveling beam..." "the idea of using a high-intensity laser to ionize air alo

"... back-directed light is the result of partial self-reflection of the forward-traveling beam..." "the idea of using a high-intensity laser to ionize air along the beam, thus forming a conducting channel of plasma" Real life light sabers are within the realm of possibility with existing technologies!