The divergence of a laser beam refers to which characteristic?

The divergence of a laser beam refers to the tendency of the beam to spread outward as it travels away from the source. This characteristic is crucial in understanding how a laser beam propagates through space. A low divergence means that the beam maintains a small diameter over a long distance, allowing it to stay focused and efficient over greater ranges. Conversely, a high divergence indicates that the beam will spread out more quickly, resulting in a larger diameter over short distances. Understanding divergence is essential in applications where precision and focus are required, such as in laser cutting, medical procedures, and optical communications.

The other factors mentioned, such as the beam's color, intensity, and speed, do not directly relate to the concept of divergence. While they are important characteristics of lasers, they address different aspects of the laser's behavior and performance.