Excimer-laser irradiation strongly modifies the near-surface region of aluminum nitride (AIN) substrates. The surface acquires a distinctive metallic appearance and the electrical resistivity of the near-surface region drastically decreases after laser irradiation. These results indicate that Al forms at the surface as a result of the decomposition of the Al (which has been confirmed by XPS). A computer model that incorporates two opposing phenomena, decomposition of the AIN that leaves a metallic Al film on the surface, and thermal evaporation of the Al, demonstrated that saturation of film thickness and, hence, of electrical resistance is reached when the rate of Al evaporation equals the rate of AIN decomposition. In an electroless copper bath, Cu is only deposited in laser-irradiated areas. This laser effect has been designated laser activation for electroless deposition. Laser activation eliminates the need of seeding for nucleating the initial layer of electroless Cu. Thus, AIN metallization can be achieved by laser patterning followed by electroless deposition.