The Cattaneo hyperbolic and classical parabolic models of heat conduction i
n the laser irradiated materials are compared. Laser heating is modelled as
an internal heat source, whose capacity is given by g(x, t) = I(t)(1 - R)m
u exp(-mux). Analytical solution for the one-dimensional, semi-infinite bod
y with the insulated boundary is obtained using Laplace transforms and the
discussion of solutions for different time characteristics of the heat sour
ce capacity (constant, instantaneous, exponential, pulsed and periodic) is
presented.