What is a characteristic of collimated laser light?

Collimated laser light is characterized by its ability to remain straight and parallel over long distances. This means that the light rays emitted from a collimated laser source travel in a highly directional manner, maintaining a consistent path without spreading out significantly. This property is crucial for various applications, including laser cutting, laser communication, and medical procedures, where precision and focus are necessary.

In contrast, light beams that diverge quickly or scatter in all directions lack this level of directionality and focus, making them less effective for tasks requiring precise targeting or energy delivery. Additionally, light that is completely absorbed does not contribute to a usable laser beam, as it signifies that the energy is not transmitted or directed anywhere. Thus, the defining characteristic of collimated laser light is its straight and parallel propagation.