What is LASER light characterized by?

LASER light is characterized by its coherent and monochromatic nature. Coherence refers to the uniformity of phase and frequency over time, meaning that the light waves emitted by a laser travel in a well-defined, consistent manner. This coherence allows for focused and powerful beams of light that can be directed precisely, making lasers highly effective for various applications, such as in beauty therapy for hair removal or skin treatments.

Monochromaticity indicates that laser light consists of a single wavelength (or color), which contributes to its high visibility and energy concentration. Because the light is concentrated at one specific wavelength, it can interact with specific tissues or pigments in the skin without affecting surrounding areas, increasing its efficacy and safety in therapeutic applications.

In contrast, incoherent light differs because it includes multiple wavelengths and lacks the same consistency in phase, leading to a diffuse output that is not suitable for precise treatments. Additionally, while lasers can generate heat (the ability to generate heat is a property of many light sources, not just lasers), it is not a defining characteristic of what makes light "laser." Natural or scattered light does not have the same focused and uniform attributes vital for many of the technological applications we associate with lasers.