What is a common reason for beam distortion in laser alignment?

Beam distortion in laser alignment can often occur due to high heat or steam. When a laser beam is employed for alignment, it relies on a direct and unobstructed path to maintain its accuracy. High heat can cause the air through which the beam travels to become thermally stratified, leading to refractive index variations that distort the beam's propagation. Similarly, steam provides a similar effect. The presence of steam in the air can also create turbulence or variations in the refractive index, further altering the path of the laser beam. This distortion results in inaccuracies in aligning equipment or structures, making it crucial to control the temperature and humidity of the environment when performing laser alignments to ensure precision. Maintaining appropriate environmental conditions is essential to achieving optimal performance of laser alignment tools.