Patent ID: 7259867
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: B23K,G01J

Abstract:
1. A method of analysing a light intensity distribution over a cross-section of a laser beam comprising the steps of: reflecting the laser beam with a laser mirror having a mirroring surface; detecting local thermal expansions of the laser mirror at the mirroring surface caused by different light intensities of the laser beam incident on the mirroring surface; correlating the distribution of the detected local thermal expansions of the laser mirror at the mirroring surface with the different light intensities of the laser beam over its cross-section to determine at least one of non-homogeneities in a light intensity distribution of the light intensities of the laser beam over its cross-section, variations of a light intensity distribution of the light intensities of the laser beam over its cross-section, absolute light intensities of the light intensities of the laser beam over its cross section, a position of the laser beam with regard to its borders, or a position of the laser beam with regard to a center of a light intensity distribution of the light intensities of the laser beam.