What is the most important thing to keep in mind when laser engraving paper?

Paper is evaporated like wood (i.e. sublimated). This means that during the cutting process, the paper is worn away in the form of a gas, visible as smoke, at high speed. The smoke transports the heat away from the paper, whereby the material is only minimally thermally burdened. With optimum parameters, such as air assist and table exhaust, the material can be successfully processed smoke-free without burnt edges, even with the finest contours.

-Josh Stephens, Trotec Laser