Which characteristics best describe laser light?

Laser light is characterized primarily by its low divergence, high coherence, and monochromatic properties. Low divergence indicates that laser beams spread very little as they travel, allowing the light to maintain its intensity over long distances. High coherence refers to the waves being in phase, which results in a focused and stable beam of light. Monochromatic means that laser light is made up of a single wavelength, producing a very specific color, as opposed to white light which contains multiple wavelengths.

These properties of laser light make it very different from standard light sources. For example, commonly used light sources such as incandescent bulbs emit light that is incoherent and has a wide range of wavelengths, resulting in high dispersion and a spread of light across a wide area. In contrast, the unique characteristics of laser light enable its applications in various fields, including medical treatments, communication technologies, and industrial manufacturing, where precision and control are paramount.