Two methods for measuring laser beam diameter

Two methods for measuring beam diameter are described with the derivation of the equations that make them valid. These methods are the aperture method and the knife edge technique. These methods have been used for decades; however, many do not have a firm grasp of the basic equations that make the methods valid and therefore cannot use and modify the methods with confidence to produce the desired results. The text derives the equations from basic science and mathematics to clarify the underlying concepts of the methods.