Which term describes a beam of light that stays together and does not diverge?

The term "collimated" refers to a beam of light that is parallel and maintains its width over distance, meaning it does not spread out or diverge. This property is essential in many laser applications, where a precise and focused beam is crucial for effective penetration and targeting. A collimated beam ensures that the energy is concentrated in a specific area, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments and procedures that utilize laser technology.

In contrast, a divergent beam spreads out as it travels, leading to a loss of intensity over distance. Converging light refers to beams that come together at a focal point, which is not applicable to the definition provided. Incoherent light sources, such as incandescent bulbs, emit waves that are out of phase and have different frequencies, which contributes to broad dispersion rather than maintaining a tight, focused beam. Thus, collimation is key in distinguishing effective laser beams from other types of light emission.