Abstract: The gaussian energy distribution common to all laser beams is a serious handicap in most laser beam applications for machining material, such as for drilling, welding and the like. This is especially true in welding extremely thin metal sheets, as in the manufacture and assembly of the transducers of modern magnetic disk files. According to the subject invention, a laser beam is directed to a glass cone or axicon which converts the gaussian energy distribution of the laser beam to one more uniform in cross-section. Depending on the distance of the workpiece from the exit side of the axicon, the energy distribution of the radiation impinging onto the workpiece will be either uniform, saddle shaped or annular cross-section.