The anatase-to-rutile phase transition, which attends pulsed laser-induced damage of anatase TiO₂ thin films, is studied by simultaneous microphotography and Raman microprobe. The damage is distributed across the damage area in regions of distinct morphology and spectra. In multilayer coatings, a mechanical surface-fracture zone surrounds a set of thin, layered flat rings of distinct but irregular boundaries. These rings surround a rough, pitted transparent central crater in the quartz substrate. Raman difference spectroscopy is used to reveal damage regions containing the rutile phase and regions devoid of TiO₂. Similarly, Raman microprobe spectra reveal the monoclinic crystalline form of ZrO₂ in damaged regions of amorphous ZrO₂ coatings. Finally, frequency shifts of the anatase v₆ line (nominally 143 cm^-1) are used to identify stress in laser-pulse irradiated anatse coatings.