What characteristic do chromophores have regarding laser light?

Chromophores are molecules or part of molecules that can absorb light at specific wavelengths. This property is fundamental in the context of laser light because it determines how a substance interacts with that light. When laser light strikes a chromophore, it will absorb certain wavelengths that correspond to the energy levels of the chromophore, while passing through or reflecting others.

This selective absorption is crucial for applications such as laser therapy, where specific chromophores in the tissue absorb laser light to produce a therapeutic effect. For example, in medical treatments, particular wavelengths of laser light are chosen because they correspond with the absorption characteristics of chromophores in the target tissue, optimizing treatment efficiency and minimizing damage to surrounding areas.

Thus, the defining feature of chromophores is their ability to absorb only specific wavelengths of laser light, which underlines the importance of wavelength selection in laser applications.