In this work we probe the photothermal conversion properties of individual metal (Ag) nanoparticle, semiconductor (β-In2S3) microflowers, dielectric (SiO2) nanostructures and Ag nanoparticles embedded in β-In2S3 and SiO2 matrix. The heat generated from the Ag nanoparticles is much higher when embedded inside polymer encapsulated SiO2 and β-In2S3 matrix than the individual nanoparticle assembly. The heat generation mechanism is shown to be an ultrafast process (picoseconds) when the Ag nanoparticles are embedded in a β-In2S3 complex, while for individual Ag nanoparticles and Ag: SiO2 matrix the process is shown to be time delayed. The change is attributed to the resonant heat transfer mechanism. The measurements were carried out by illuminating the samples with pump beam of 445 nm. The refractive index gradient produced in the surrounding air due to thermal waves emanating from the sample is measured using a probe beam of wavelength 546 nm and a position sensitive quadrant cell detector. © 2017 Author(s).