ABSTRACTThe probe beam deflection and optical time-of-flight method have been applied to study the dynamics of Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) ablation of pyrolytic boron nitride. Shock wave generation was observed and its velocity was derived by analysis of the acoustic transit time of the acoustic wave produced by laser ablation. The most probable velocities of B and B+ were obtained by optical time-of flight technique. The deposition of boron nitride on silicon substrate by laser ablation was attempted in nitrogen atmosphere. Cubic phase of boron nitride was observed as well as the hexagonal phase.