The two-dimensional Laplace integral transform technique has been used to compute the temperature profile of the molten layer on the surface of a semi-in"nite target when irradiated by a pulsed laser. Mathematical expressions for the temperature distribution in the molten layer thickness and the solid part of the target, taking cooling and the temperature-dependent absorption coefficient of the irradiated
surface into account, were obtained. As an illustrative example computations were carried out on a semi-in"nite aluminum (Al) target.