Abstract: The filtration efficiency and spatial distribution patterns of nicotine in filters of 4 different structures, i.e., ordinary filter, peripherally grooved filter, inner grooved filter and cavity filter, were investigated. The nicotine retained in each segment was quantitatively analyzed after the filters were transversely and longitudinally cut into segments by a precision laser cutting device. After correction, the distribution data of nicotine were processed by polynomial fitting and interpolation analysis. The differences of spatial distribution pattern of nicotine between filters were interpreted as the variation of flow pattern of smoke in filters. The results showed that:1) The nicotine filtration efficiencies of ordinary filter, peripherally grooved filter, inner grooved filter and cavity filter were 39.06%, 45.45%, 39.63% and 31.75%, respectively. 2) The axial cross section distribution patterns of nicotine retained in different filters were obtained.