We have investigated the optical response ofc‐axis oriented crystalline Y1Ba2Cu3O7−xthin films (bridge and meander devices) on strontium titanate and MgO substrates. cw optical response to a He‐Ne laser radiation (wavelength of 0.63 &mgr;m) was primarily bolometric. The pulsed optical response was studied withQ‐switched and mode‐lockedQ‐switched short pulses from a Nd:YAG laser at the wavelength of 1.06 &mgr;m. We identify two distinct components contributing to the pulsed optical response: a nonbolometric (as fast as 1 ns) and a bolometric component (several ns). The bolometric component is strong at temperatures in the vicinity of the transition region to the normal state. The nonbolometric component is dominant at temperatures below the transition region showing weak temperature dependence and a linear dependence on the bias current. These results are discussed using the flux motion model and also electron‐phonon scattering relaxation dynamics of nonequilibrium superconductors based on the theory of Bardeen‐Cooper‐Schrieffer. The results suggest that with proper optimization of device parameters (geometry, critical current density, etc.) sensitive bolometers and high‐speed detectors covering a broad electromagnetic spectrum (visible and infrared) may be developed.