US Patent 11262236 Laser fabrication with beam detection

A computer numerically controlled machine may include a source of electromagnetic energy. A beam of electromagnetic energy from the source may be delivered to a destination such as, for example, a material positioned in a working area of the computer numerically controlled machine. The beam of electromagnetic energy may be susceptible to interferences while traveling from the source to the destination. The computer numerically controlled machine may include a beam detector configured detect an interference of the beam by measuring a power of the beam of electromagnetic energy at a location between the source and the destination. An interference of the beam may be detected if the power of the beam is less than a threshold value. A controller at the computer numerically controlled machine may perform one or more actions in response to the beam detector detecting the interference of the beam of electromagnetic energy.