collimator

  1. Noun.  (physics) An optical device that generates a parallel beam of light. Often used to compensate for laser beam divergence.
  2. Noun.  (physics) A similar device that produces a parallel beam of particles such as neutrons.
  3. Noun.  (astronomy) A small telescope attached to a larger one, used to point it in the correct general direction.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.