Experimental system for nanosecond laser melting investigation was developed containing three independent noncontact methods: infrared radiometry, time-resolved reflectivity of He-Ne laser and sample surface reflected KrF heating laser pulse. The system was applied to the investigation of laser melting of Cu, Me, Ni, Si, Sn, Ti, steel CSN 15330 and stainless steel CSN 17246 samples. For metallic samples the IR radiometry signal was transformed to temperature. Obtained surface temperature and reflectivity spectra in nanosecond time scale (10-1000 ns) for wide range of energy densities (100-5500 mJ cm(-2)) are presented. Interesting evolutions were found. Melting thresholds and melting durations were determined from the measured curves. The applicability of the methods is evaluated. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.