Strong joints between polyimide and titanium plates were fabricated by means of infrared laser irradiation. The polyimide/titanium interfaces thus obtained were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and microscopy techniques. The results give evidence for the formation of Ti-C and additional Ti-O chemical bonds in a sharp interfacial region between the two sides. These chemical bonds are believed to be responsible for the observed mechanical strength of the joints. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.