Electrolasers kind of seem slightly light saber-esque. I'm assuming miniaturisation of them would be tricky though, as i'm assuming ionization with a laser requires a lot of power.

I was about to make a comment regarding using UV lasers and ionization - then decided to take a second to google it, and found this interesting (though short) discussion:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/laser-to-ionize-air-to...

In short, I think your conclusion is likely correct...

Invisible light sabers. Cool

Just make sure you have some sunscreen on

> Just make sure you have some sunscreen on

in the thickness equivalent to 1cm lead sheet for a gamma-ray-screen factor of 2

So NIST is telling me that's about 16cm of titanium. I suppose it would be easier to make yourself clothing out of full lotion bottles than try to slather that much on.

given this is generated by accelerating lead atoms - your light sabre should be quite capable of covering you (and everything around you) with tasty lead