Abstract: Described is a process for the contact-less removal of material from the surface of an article of brittle material, in particular glass, by means of a laser beam. So that material can be removed, with sharp edges, without splintering, and also in order to permit non-sharp surfaces, the invention provides that the laser beam (1) is passed through at least one at least partially absorbent matrix (7) and split into a plurality of individual beams (1'). By that means, the energy available in the laser beam is split up, in the beam cross-section, and the individual beams can be adapted to a desired removal effect. The apparatus for carrying out the process is characterized in that the matrix (7) has straight and/or curved fields (8, 9) with preferably a high absorption capability in respect of laser beams.