A laser beam is coherent, collimated, and?

A laser beam is coherent, collimated, and?

• A. Red
• B. Divergent
• C. Monochromatic
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

A laser beam is defined by three key characteristics: it is coherent, collimated, and monochromatic. Coherence refers to the uniform phase relationship of the light waves, meaning the waves emitted by the laser are in phase with each other. Collimation signifies that the light beams are parallel, resulting in minimal spreading over distances. Monochromaticity indicates that the laser emits light of a single wavelength or color, which is a fundamental aspect of laser technology. This single color is what allows lasers to maintain their coherence and collimation over distances. The other potential characteristics mentioned, such as being red or divergent, do not strictly apply to all lasers. While many lasers emit red light, they can also emit other colors depending on the medium used—this does not define a laser broadly. Divergence refers to the spreading of a light beam; however, a characteristic feature of laser beams is that they are collimated, which means they do not diverge significantly. Thus, the accurate answer emphasizing the inherent properties of laser beams is that they are monochromatic, which complements their coherence and collimation.

A laser beam is defined by three key characteristics: it is coherent, collimated, and monochromatic. Coherence refers to the uniform phase relationship of the light waves, meaning the waves emitted by the laser are in phase with each other. Collimation signifies that the light beams are parallel, resulting in minimal spreading over distances.

Monochromaticity indicates that the laser emits light of a single wavelength or color, which is a fundamental aspect of laser technology. This single color is what allows lasers to maintain their coherence and collimation over distances.

The other potential characteristics mentioned, such as being red or divergent, do not strictly apply to all lasers. While many lasers emit red light, they can also emit other colors depending on the medium used—this does not define a laser broadly. Divergence refers to the spreading of a light beam; however, a characteristic feature of laser beams is that they are collimated, which means they do not diverge significantly.

Thus, the accurate answer emphasizing the inherent properties of laser beams is that they are monochromatic, which complements their coherence and collimation.