We have performed single-shot time-resolved reflectivity measurements of the photo-reversible phase transition between lambda- and beta-phases of Ti3O5 nanoparticles at room temperature. These phase transitions are induced using nanosecond and millisecond laser pulses and are revealed by Raman spectroscopy. Upon nanosecond pulsed excitation, the lambda- to beta-phase transition is detected in about 900 ns, whereas the beta- to lambda-phase transition is noticed in less than 20 ns. The lambda- to beta-phase transition induced by quasi continuous wave laser happens on the millisecond time scale. We propose a scenario that accounts very well for the observed phenomena. (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.