This study presents the analysis of the interaction of high power laser light with rocks in thermal fragmentation drilling processes.The main objective of the work is to establish, through an experimental study, the possibility of using laser technology in the drilling of hard rocks, such as granite, quartz and others.The motivation is the application of new technologies to develop tools that improve the efficiency in the well drilling process (higher penetration rate), and to be able to remove the largest amount of material weakened by laser irradiation.For this, it was necessary to make an opto-mechanical assembly involving a cleaning system that would help to remove the material weakened by the action of the laser, using nitrogen gas at high pressure.Different exposure time intervals of laser radiation in the rocks were analyzed to evaluate the volume rate removed and the amount of specific energy required to drill different materials, depending on the power and irradiation time of the laser.Following the literature review in selecting the material, three types of materials (white granite, gray granite and travertine) known commercially in Brazil and that are similar (in chemical composition) to the rocks found in the pre-salt formations were chosen.From this selection, it was essential to know the chemical composition of the materials through fluorescence, X-rays, and Scanning Microscopy (SEM).In addition, the thermomechanical behavior of the carbonate rocks wasstudied through thermal analysis (Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis) to identify and understand the phenomena involved in the drilling process.The results obtained are analyzed to parameterize the variables under consideration, improving the conditions of the drilling process by thermal fragmentation, depending on the material studied.