<p>This study presents a novel analytical framework to investigate the photothermal response of functionally graded semiconductor materials under laser pulse excitation, utilizing a nonlocal thermoelastic model. By integrating the single-phase-lagging (SPL) concept with a nonlocal thermal length-scale, the model captures finite thermal wave speeds critical for micro- and nanoscale transient phenomena. The analysis examines coupled thermal, elastic, and plasma wave interactions in materials with spatially varying properties. Numerical results show that increasing the nonlocal thermal length-scale significantly reduces temperature and carrier density, while material gradation enhances near-surface temperature but markedly suppresses displacement. Longer laser pulse durations lower peak temperatures but increase stresses, highlighting key trade-offs. By overcoming limitations of classical Fourier heat conduction and incorporating size-dependent effects, the model provides insights into thermoelastic wave propagation in nanostructured materials. These findings emphasize the importance of material design and pulse optimization for improving energy transfer and stress management, with applications in semiconductor device engineering, thermal management, and laser-based manufacturing in nanotechnology and optoelectronics.</p>