The changes in morphology, composition and absorption spectra of thin evaporated CdTe films were studied during the treatment in air by a pulsed UV laser. The low-energy laser beam of 3.8 mu J cm(-2) produces a photostimulated oxidation of CdTe perhaps to CdTeO3, as revealed from the electron diffraction patterns. The high energy 1.07 mJ cm(-2) beam causes a complete melting of the CdTe film and a formation of nearly quantum-confined CdTe particles 10 nm in size. The observed induced darkening of samples after the high-energy laser-beam action is described owing to the light absorption at the nanometer-sized CdTe particles.