arXiv subjects

Kuniaki Konishi

Publications and source records attributed to Kuniaki Konishi.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Femtosecond-to-millisecond holographic imaging of laser ablation dynamics

Femtosecond laser ablation redistributes optically deposited energy across electronic, structural, mechanical, and thermal degrees of freedom over timescales from femtoseconds to milliseconds. However, these coupled processes are usually measured in separate temporal ranges and through different observables, limiting quantitative comparison between early transient dynamics, residual heating, and final morphology. Here we introduce pump-probe holographic imaging that reconstructs amplitude- and phase-resolved optical fields across this full temporal range under matched imaging conditions. Applied to deep-ultraviolet femtosecond ablation of BK7 glass, the method captures the transition from early excitation and removal-stage dynamics to residual substrate heating and permanent modification. Differential phase analysis isolates sub-nanosecond evolution of the transient ablating layer and microsecond residual heating after material removal. Above the ablation threshold, crater depth increases with fluence, whereas the residual thermal signal saturates, indicating that additional absorbed energy is preferentially partitioned into material removal and ablation-related processes rather than retained as substrate heat. These results identify fluence-dependent energy partitioning as a dynamical basis of low-heat-affected femtosecond processing and establish holographic imaging as a route to tracking laser-driven nonequilibrium material transformations.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Tellurium Metasurface Beam Splitter with Pulse Laser-Controlled Anisotropy

Laser-programmable optical anisotropy offers a new route to developing reconfigurable metasurfaces without conventional nanofabrication processes. Here, we demonstrate a lithography-free approach based on spatial control of the crystallographic $c$ axis orientation in tellurium (Te) using pulse laser irradiation. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate a Te metasurface beam splitter by laser-written optical-axis patterning and experimentally confirm that its optical response is in good agreement with theoretical predictions and numerical simulations. By directly programming the local optical anisotropy, this method enables a simple fabrication process while offering the possibility of rewriting and dynamically reconfiguring device functionality. These features make this approach a promising platform for non-resonant active metasurfaces and other reconfigurable flat-optics applications.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

3D Printed Alumina as a Millimeter-Wave Optical Element

We present millimeter and sub-millimeter room temperature transmission and loss measurements of 3D printed alumina disc and of a disc with one-sided 3D printed sub-wavelength structures anti-reflection coatings (SWS-ARC). For four bands spanning 158 - 700~GHz we find an index of refraction consistent with $n= 3.107 \pm 0.007$. The loss over the entire frequency band between 158~GHz and 700~GHz spans $ 1 \cdot 10^{-3} \leq \tan δ\leq 2.49 \cdot 10^{-3}$ with 10%-30% uncertainty at the lower range of frequencies shrinking to $\sim\!2\%$ at the higher frequencies. As expected, constructive and destructive interference fringes that are apparent with the flat disc data are absent with the disc that has SWS-ARC. The measured data are consistent with finite element analysis predictions that are based on the measured shape of the SWS. At frequencies between 158~GHz and 200~GHz, below the onset of diffraction effects, reflectance is reduced from a maximum of 64% to about 25%, closely matching predictions. These measurements of the index, loss, and SWS-ARC of 3D printed alumina suggest that the material and fabrication technique could be useful for astrophysical applications.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

Silicon-based vacuum window for millimeter and submillimeter-wave astrophysics

We designed, fabricated, and characterized the properties of a silicon-based vacuum window suitable for millimeter-wave astrophysical applications. The window, which has a diameter of 124 mm, optically active diameter of 68 mm, and thickness of about 4 mm, gives an average transmittance and reflectance of 99% and 1%, respectively, a fractional bandwidth of 67%. Absorptive loss is below the detection limit of our measurement. The anti-reflection coating is made with laser ablated sub-wavelength structures (SWS), and the measured transmittance and reflectance values agree with modeling based on the measured SWS shapes. The window has been integrated into DESHIMA v2.0, an astrophysics instrument that took year-long observations with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Atomic-Scale Light Coupling Control in Ultrathin Photonic Nanomembranes

Atomic-layer and two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as essential building blocks for next-generation quantum and semiconductor technologies, where atomic-scale control over light-matter interactions is critical. However, their inherently small interaction volume poses fundamental challenges for efficient integration into quantum and nanophotonic devices. Addressing this limitation requires the development of photonic platforms that can effectively enhance atomic-scale optical coupling. To this end, freestanding nanomembranes with extreme thinness and minimal radiative loss offer an ideal framework for integrating these materials into photonic systems. Here, we demonstrate an ultrathin photonic nanomembrane enabling atomic-scale control of light coupling. This architecture supports strong field confinement at the surface and significantly enhances light-matter interaction. Through the integration of atomic-layer dielectrics, we achieve Å-level thickness modulation, where each deposition cycle leads to an ultrafine shift of the high-Q resonance. High-resolution spatial mapping further confirms uniform and deterministic resonance tuning across the nanomembrane surface. Furthermore, by integrating a WS2 monolayer with the photonic nanomembrane, strong field localization within the monolayer and a significant emission enhancement are achieved. This approach offers a scalable and versatile route for atomic-scale light coupling, helping to overcome the limitations of conventional photonics and opening opportunities in quantum photonics, optoelectronics, and advanced semiconductor technologies.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Prototype sub-wavelength structure anti-reflection coating on alumina filters for ground-based CMB telescopes

We present designs and fabrication of sub-wavelength anti-reflection (AR) structures on alumina for infrared absorptive filters with passbands near 30, 125, and 250 GHz. These bands are widely used by ground-based instruments measuring the cosmic microwave background radiation. The designs are tuned to provide reflectance of 2% or less for fractional bandwidths between 51% and 72%, with each of the three primary bands containing two sub-bands. We make the sub-wavelength structures (SWS), which resemble a two-dimensional array of pyramids, using laser ablation. We measure the shapes of the fabricated pyramids and show that for incidence angles up to 20 degrees the predicted in-band average reflectance is 2% or less, in agreement with the design. The band average instrumental polarization is less than $3\times 10^{-3}$.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Anti-reflection coating with mullite and Duroid for large-diameter cryogenic sapphire and alumina optics

We developed a broadband two-layer anti-reflection (AR) coating for use on a sapphire half-wave plate (HWP) and an alumina infrared (IR) filter for the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimetry. Measuring the faint CMB B-mode signals requires maximizing the number of photons reaching the detectors and minimizing spurious polarization due to reflection with an off-axis incident angle. Sapphire and alumina have high refractive indices of 3.1 and are highly reflective without an AR coating. This paper presents the design, fabrication, quality control, and measured performance of an AR coating using thermally-sprayed mullite and Duroid 5880LZ. This technology enables large optical elements with diameters of 600 mm. We also present a newly developed thermography-based nondestructive quality control technique, which is key to assuring good adhesion and preventing delamination when thermal cycling. We demonstrate the average reflectance of about 2.6% (0.9%) for two observing bands centered at 90/150 (220/280) GHz. At room temperature, the average transmittance of a 105 mm square test sample at 220/280 GHz is 83%, and it will increase to 90% at 100 K, attributed to reduced absorption losses. Therefore, our developed layering technique has proved effective for 220/280 GHz applications, particularly in addressing dielectric loss concerns. This AR coating technology has been deployed in the cryogenic HWP and IR filters of the Simons Array and the Simons observatory experiments and applies to future experiments such as CMB-S4.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Mid-infrared wide-field nanoscopy

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is widely recognized as a powerful, non-distractive method for chemical analysis. However, its utility is constrained by a micrometer-scale spatial resolution imposed by the long-wavelength MIR diffraction limit. This limitation has been recently overcome by MIR photothermal (MIP) imaging, which detects photothermal effects induced in the vicinity of MIR absorbers using a visible-light microscope. Despite its promise, the full potential of its spatial resolving power has not been realized. Here, we present an optimal implementation of wide-field MIP imaging to achieve high spatial resolution. This is accomplished by employing single-objective synthetic-aperture quantitative phase imaging (SOSA-QPI) with synchronized sub-nanosecond MIR and visible light sources, effectively suppressing the resolution-degradation effect caused by photothermal heat diffusion. We demonstrate far-field MIR spectroscopic imaging with a spatial resolution limited by the visible diffraction, down to 125 nm, in the MIR region of 3.12-3.85 um (2,600-3,200 cm-1). This technique, through the use of a shorter visible wavelength and/or a higher objective numerical aperture, holds the potential to achieve a spatial resolution of less than 100 nm, thus paving the way for MIR wide-field nanoscopy.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Critical Power for Temporal-Pulse Collapse in Third-Harmonic Generation

The self-trapping critical power of light propagation is one of the key physical quantities characterizing nonlinear-beam propagation. Above the critical power, the spatial and temporal profiles of the beam deviate from its original shapes. Therefore, the critical power is considered an important indicator in nonlinear optical phenomena, such as filamentation and laser processing. However, although the concept of the critical power has been established for fundamental waves, it remains unclear if the power-dependent phenomena can also be observed in harmonic generation because of the complex interplay of nonlinear-propagation effects and ionization-plasma effects. In this study, we find the critical power for the third-harmonic generation; the criterion for whether or not temporal-pulse collapse occurs in the third-harmonic generation is determined only by the incident power. Experiments show that a certain incident power exists, at which the third-harmonic power exerts a specific dependence, independent of the focusing conditions. This incident power is approximately six times lower than the self-trapping critical power of the fundamental pulse, which indicates that it is unique to the third-harmonic generation. Numerical calculations reveal that at this incident power, the third-harmonic pulse begins to collapse temporally. Furthermore, the numerical calculations reproduce the experimental results without the nonlinear effects of the fundamental pulse, dispersion effect, and ionization-plasma effects. This shows that the pulse collapse is due to the interference effects from the third-order nonlinear term, which disappears after long-distance propagation due to phase mismatch, and higher-order nonlinear terms. This study demonstrates the existence of the critical power for harmonic pulses and show that higher-order nonlinear effects on the harmonics can yield a universal phenomenon.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

A Large Diameter Millimeter-Wave Low-Pass Filter Made of Alumina with Laser Ablated Anti-Reflection Coating

We fabricated a 302 mm diameter low-pass filter made of alumina that has an anti-reflection coating (ARC) made with laser-ablated sub-wavelength structures (SWS). The filter has been integrated into and is operating with the MUSTANG2 instrument, which is coupled to the Green Bank Telescope. The average transmittance of the filter in the MUSTANG2 operating band between 75 and 105 GHz is 98%. Reflective loss due to the ARC is 1%. The difference in transmission between the s- and p-polarization states is less than 1%. To within 1% accuracy we observe no variance in these results when transmission is measured in six independent filter spatial locations. The alumina filter replaced a prior MUSTANG2 Teflon filter. Data taken with the filter heat sunk to its nominal 40 K stage show performance consistent with expectations: a reduction of about 50% in filters-induced optical power load on the 300 mK stage, and in in-band optical loading on the detectors. It has taken less than 4 days to laser-ablate the SWS on both sides of the alumina disk. This is the first report of an alumina filter with SWS ARC deployed with an operating instrument, and the first demonstration of a large area fabrication of SWS with laser ablation.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2020

Tunable third harmonic generation in the vacuum ultraviolet region using dielectric nanomembranes

Tunable coherent light sources operating in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region in 100-200-nm (6-12 eV) wavelength range have important spectroscopic applications in many research fields, including time-resolved angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Recent advances in laser technology have enabled the upconversion of visible femtosecond lasers to the vacuum and extreme ultraviolet regions. However, the complexity of their experimental setups and the scarcity of bulk nonlinear crystals for VUV generation have hampered its widespread use. Here, we propose the use of a free-standing dielectric nanomembranes as a simple and practical method for tunable VUV generation. We demonstrate that third harmonic VUV light is generated with sufficient intensity for spectroscopic applications from commercially available SiO2 nanomemebranes of submicron thicknesses under excitation with visible femtosecond laser pulses. The submicron thickness of the nanomembranes is optimal for maximize the VUV generation efficiency and prevents self-phase modulation and spectral broadening of the fundamental beam. The observed VUV photons are up to 10^7 photons per pulse at 157 nm with 1-kHz repetition rate, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 10^-6. Moreover, the central VUV wavelength can be tuned in 146-190-nm wavelength range by changing the fundamental wavelength. We also explore material and thickness dependence with experiments and calculations. The presented results suggest that dielectric nanomembranes can be used as a practical nonlinear media for VUV spectroscopic applications.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Ultrafast polarization control of zero-bias photocurrent and terahertz emission in hybrid organic perovskites

Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) is a benchmark hybrid organic perovskite material, which is used for the low-cost, printed solar cells with over 20 percent power conversion efficiency. Yet, the nature of light-matter interaction in MAPI as well as the exact physical mechanism behind device operation is currently debated. Here we report room temperature, ultrafast photocurrent and freespace terahertz (THz) emission generation from unbiased MAPI induced by 150 fs light pulses. Polarization dependence of the observed photoresponse is consistent with the Bulk Photovoltaic Effect (BPVE) caused by a combination of injection and shift currents. We believe that this observation of can shed light on low recombination, and long carrier diffusion lengths due to indirect bandgap. Moreover, ballistic by nature shift and injection BPVE photocurrents may enable third generation perovskite solar cells with efficiency that exceed the Shockley_Queisser limit. Our observations also open new venues for perovskite spintronics and tunable THz sources.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Polarization control of quantum dot emission by chiral photonic crystal slabs

We investigate theoretically the polarization properties of the quantum dot's optical emission from chiral photonic crystal structures made of achiral materials in the absence of external magnetic field at room temperature. The mirror symmetry of the local electromagnetic field is broken in this system due to the decreased symmetry of the chiral modulated layer. As a result, the radiation of randomly polarized quantum dots normal to the structure becomes partially circularly polarized. The sign and degree of circular polarization are determined by the geometry of the chiral modulated structure and depend on the radiation frequency. A degree of circular polarization up to 99% can be achieved for randomly distributed quantum dots, and can be close to 100% for some single quantum dots.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Self Assembly of and Plasmon Enhanced Ultrafast Magnetization in Ag Co Hybrid Nanoparticles

Ultrafast demagnetization in magnetic nanoparticles using pulsed laser has attracted considerable attention because of its potential applications in spintronics, such as data storage. In such applications, it is necessary to control magnetization using low energy laser pulses, however, this poses the problem of increasing the amount of energy from the excitation laser pulses to the spin subsystem. We take advantage of the phenomenon known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) to enhance the energy transfer from laser pulses to the spin subsystem. To induce LSPR, hybrid nanoparticles consisting of noble metal nanoparticles with LSPR absorption and magnetic metal nanoparticles are prepared using a novel method. Specifically, AgCo hybrid nanoparticles are prepared by a self assembly method using pulsed laser deposition. We performed measurements of the static Faraday and time-resolved Faraday effects using a pump probe technique on the AgCo hybrid nanoparticles with various AgCo ratios. The data suggest that the LSPR absorption and demagnetization amplitude increase with the increasing AgCo ratio. The results indicate that the amount of energy transferred from the laser pulses to the spin system of magnetic nanoparticles can increase via LSPR absorption.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Vectorial Control of Magnetization by Light

Coherent light-matter interactions have recently extended their applications to the ultrafast control of magnetization in solids. An important but unrealized technique is the manipulation of magnetization vector motion to make it follow an arbitrarily designed multi-dimensional trajectory. Furthermore, for its realization, the phase and amplitude of degenerate modes need to be steered independently. A promising method is to employ Raman-type nonlinear optical processes induced by femtosecond laser pulses, where magnetic oscillations are induced impulsively with a controlled initial phase and an azimuthal angle that follows well defined selection rules determined by the materials' symmetries. Here, we emphasize the fact that temporal variation of the polarization angle of the laser pulses enables us to distinguish between the two degenerate modes. A full manipulation of two-dimensional magnetic oscillations is demonstrated in antiferromagnetic NiO by employing a pair of polarization-twisted optical pulses. These results have lead to a new concept of vectorial control of magnetization by light.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2010

Circularly-Polarized Light Emission from Semiconductor Planar Chiral Photonic Crystal

We proposed and demonstrated a scheme of surface emitting circularly polarized light source by introducing strong imbalance between left- and right-circularly polarized vacuum fields in an on-waveguide chiral grating structure. We observed circularly polarized spontaneous emission from InAs quantum dots embedded in the wave guide region of a GaAs-based structure. Obtained degree of polarization reaches as large as 25% at room temperature. Numerical calculation visualizes spatial profiles of the modification of vacuum field modes inside the structure with strong circular anisotropy.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗