What does "collimated" indicate about a laser beam?

• A. It is focused on a single point
• B. It has a variable wavelength
• C. It refers to parallel nature of the beam
• D. It is composed of multiple wavelengths

Answer: (C)

The term "collimated" refers to the property of a laser beam that indicates it travels in parallel lines. In a collimated beam, the rays of light are aligned in such a way that they do not diverge or converge significantly over a distance. This characteristic is essential for many applications of laser technology, as it ensures that the beam maintains its intensity and accuracy over long distances.

The parallel nature of a collimated beam is what makes it particularly useful in speed measurement devices, as it allows for precise targeting and measurement of speed without significant distortion. In contrast, focusing on a single point or containing multiple wavelengths relates to other properties of light that do not define collimation.