Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system by measuring the optical power and shape of a test surface that has been ablated by energy delivered from a laser. The quality of the ablated test surface can be monitored to minimize undesirable laser system performance, such as might result from flawed internal optics, misalignment, poor laser fluence and the like. Calibration accuracy is generally enhanced by analyzing distortions of a geometrical pattern superimposed with the ablation test surface. The interaction of the pattern and the lens can be analyzed using a microscope, video camera connector, and other existing components of the laser ablation system, and can also provide quantitative test surface characteristics which may be used to accurately adjust the laser system.