Laser beam orientation detector for, e.g. laser cutting machine, has detector element with recess which comprises circular opening in direction of preset axis, for passage of laser beam, where outer side of opening is made impenetrable

The laser beam orientation detector has several plate-shaped detector elements which are arranged around a predetermined axis, for absorbing incident laser energy and for converting a portion of the absorbed laser energy to heat. The detector elements are thermally insulated from each other and are provided with recesses. Each recess is provided with circular opening having a closed circumference in the direction of predetermined axis, for the passage of laser beam (5). The outer side of the circular opening for laser beam is made impenetrable. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) laser processing machine; and (2) method for forming laser beam and detecting orientation of laser beam. Ein Detektor (10) zum Erfassen einer Ausrichtung eines Laserstrahls (5) in einer Laserbearbeitungsmaschine (1) weist eine Mehrzahl von Detektorelementen (11, 12, 13, 14) auf, um die Ausrichtung des Laserstrahls (5) zu erfassen. Die Detektorelemente (11, 12, 13, 14) bilden eine Öffnung (16) des Detektors (10), durch die der Laserstrahl (5) durchtritt, um den Laserstrahl (5) zu formen.