1. Absorbtion and relaxation of laser pulse energy. Lattice heating.- 2. Linear and nonlinear optical methods for recording the states and laser-induced phase transitions on the surface of condensed media.- 3. Nonlinear optical process determined by the modulation of the surface relief and of the surface temperature of condensed media.- 4. The diffusional-deformational instabilities and phase transitions on the surface under the action of laser radiation.- Conclusions.- References.