: The hardlight seen in the original games never struck me as 'matter created
: from light' so much as 'glowy force-fields'. The article was interesting,
: but I don't see how the technology could be used to create solid objects.

In theory, if they are able to "create matter from light", then if they're also able to remove that property (aka destroy that matter quickly, or return it to light), then you have a technology that could be practically similar, but potentially not using as much energy? (less upkeep of a force shield, if you the matter can be created and left as is).
Flip a switch, materialize a shield or object. Flip the switch again, or another switch (maybe like zapping it with electricity or something :P) and the object disintegrates/dissipates/disappears. The only energy in that case would be the light used to create the object in the first place.

Yes... this is all firmly in the realm of science-fiction now, but at least it's rooted in current ideas ;) hehe