Why is laser light considered special compared to ordinary light?

Laser light is considered special primarily because it is coherent and can be focused into a small beam. Coherence refers to the consistent phase relationship between light waves emitted by a laser. This means that the waves are in sync with each other, leading to a monochromatic light source (light of a single color or wavelength) which is highly directional.

The ability to focus laser light into a very small beam makes it particularly useful in various applications, such as surgical procedures, cutting materials, and in communication technologies. Unlike ordinary light, which disperses in different directions and can consist of multiple wavelengths, laser light maintains its integrity over long distances, demonstrating both its coherence and its ability to be precisely directed.

This uniqueness allows for applications in various fields, ranging from medicine to industry to entertainment, highlighting the distinct physical properties of laser light compared to conventional light sources.