Abstract: In order to study the interaction mechanism between laser and spinel compounds in laser selective metallization technology, copper hydroxyphosphate (Cu₂(OH)PO₄), a cheap and high-quality photocatalyst with spinel structure, was selected as research object. The interaction mechanism between nanosecond pulsed fiber laser with 1064nm, continuous wave fiber laser and nanosecond pulsed ultraviolet laser with 355nm wavelength and copper hydroxyphosphate was discussed by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that, all three lasers can reduce +2 copper element (Cu²⁺) in copper hydroxyphosphate to +1 copper element (Cu⁺). The original process varies with laser power (0.13W~3.89W) or laser energy density (2.76J/cm²~25.48J/cm²). Thermal properties and UV-visible absorption spectra of copper hydroxyphosphate were analyzed. In the above reduction process, photothermal and photochemical reactions may exist simultaneously by preliminary judgment. This study provides theoretical basis for copper hydroxyphosphate as new type of laser active material.