arXiv subjects

Ondřej Novák

Publications and source records attributed to Ondřej Novák.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Terahertz spin-current transparency through rough interfaces

Spin transport across interfaces is critical for spintronic devices, yet remains difficult to probe on ultrafast timescales. We use terahertz emission spectroscopy on Co|Pt heterostructures whose interface roughness is tuned through the thickness of an underlying Au buffer layer, while leaving other growth parameters unchanged. From the measured THz electric field, we extract the interface spin-current transparency ts after correcting for the changes in sample impedance and optical absorption of the stack. Surprisingly, we find that ts decreases by only approximately 30% as the interface root-mean-square roughness and the lateral grain size both increase by a factor of three, with no measurable change in the THz spectrum. These results demonstrate that interfacial spin transport is relatively robust against morphological variations on ultrafast timescales, establishing terahertz emission spectroscopy as a reliable probe of spin dynamics across imperfect interfaces.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Comparative study of second harmonic generation at 1030 nm in BiBO and LBO crystals using a 100 W-class picosecond laser

We present a systematic experimental comparison of single-pass second-harmonic generation (SHG) in bismuth triborate (BiBO) and lithium triborate (LBO) nonlinear crystals, driven by a 1.3 ps, 91 kHz laser at 1030 nm with up to 57 W of average input power. Both crystals yielded 32 W of second harmonic (SH) output at 515 nm, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 56 %, which to the best of our knowledge represents the highest SH output power reported in the green spectral region using a BiBO crystal. Power dependence, long-term stability, beam quality, pulse duration, spectral properties, thermal effects, and angular acceptance bandwidth are characterized and directly compared for both crystals. These results provide quantitative performance benchmarks to guide the selection of nonlinear crystals for high-average-power, ultrashort-pulse frequency conversion near 1030 nm.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

A comprehensive study of second and third harmonic conversion efficiency, angular and temperature tolerance, and long-term stability in LBO crystals using a 10-J-class laser

We present a study of second harmonic generation (SHG) and third harmonic generation (THG) in lithium triborate (LBO) crystals using a high-energy, 10-J-class, 10 Hz Yb:YAG laser system. We achieved high conversion efficiencies of 75% for SHG and 56% for THG for Gaussian-like temporal pulse shapes and top-hat-like beam profiles. The angular and temperature dependence of the LBO crystals were measured and validated through numerical simulations. The SHG process exhibited an angular acceptance bandwidth of 1.33 mrad and a temperature acceptance bandwidth of 2.61 K, while the THG process showed 1.19 mrad and 1.35 K, respectively. Additionally, long term stability measurements revealed RMS energy stabilities of 1.3% for SHG and 1.24% for THG. These results showcase the reliability of LBO crystals for high-energy, high-average-power harmonic generation. The developed system offers automated switching between harmonics provided at the system output. The system can be easily adapted to Nd:YAG based pump lasers as well.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Obstructed Atomic Limit Topological Protection in C4-Symmetric Photonic Crystals for Optical Communications

Recent developments in photonic topological phases have revealed that protected edge modes can emerge not only from global topological invariants, but also from symmetry-enforced polarization mismatches between distinct bulk phases. In this work, we investigate the capabilities and limitations of a square-lattice ($C_4$-symmetric) photonic crystal composed of a single dielectric material that supports interface-localized modes at the boundary between regions characterized by distinct obstructed atomic limits (OALs). These modes are confined to a common band gap and exhibit high transmission, even in the presence of structural perturbations. Our analysis reveals that the interface modes are stabilized by a mismatch in the position of Wannier centers between the two adjoining crystals. We demonstrate nearly lossless transmission around sharp turns and through localized defects, though the robustness depends asymmetrically on the side of perturbation, reflecting the partial nature of the protection. We also show that increasing the number of photonic crystal periods surrounding the interface enhances both modal confinement and spectral stability. These findings establish polarization mismatch between OALs as a practical and fabrication-compatible mechanism for engineering robust photonic transport in $C_4$-symmetric systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Pyramidal charged domain walls in ferroelectric BiFeO$_3$

Domain structures play a crucial role in the electric, mechanical and other properties of ferroelectric materials. In this study, we uncover the physical origins of the enigmatic zigzag domain structure in the prototypical multiferroic material BiFeO$_3$. Using phase-field simulations within the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire framework, we demonstrate that spatially-homogeneous defect charges result in domain structures that closely resemble those observed experimentally. The acquired understanding of the underlying physics of pyramidal-domain formation may enable the engineering of new materials with self-assembled domain structures exhibiting defined domain periodicity at the nanometre scale, opening avenues for advanced applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Methodology for Topological Interface Engineering in 2D Photonic Crystals

Topological photonics provides a robust and flexible platform for controlling light, enabling functionalities such as backscattering-immune edge transport and slow-light propagation. In this work, we design and characterize photonic topological interfaces in two-dimensional photonic crystals. We introduce an iterative band connection algorithm that preserves mode symmetry and present a general framework for band symmetry recognition, essential for identifying Z2 topological phases. Design strategies for unit cell geometries are developed to achieve targeted band inversions, overlapping bandgaps, and tailored dispersions. Furthermore, the approach can be readily adapted to specific material platforms and operating wavelengths, including the telecommunication range, by appropriately scaling the lattice parameter as long as absorption remains low. We investigate the trade-off between bandgap size and band flatness, identifying exceptions governed by lattice geometry. Additionally, we demonstrate how photonic crystal periodicity influences the stability of topological modes and enhances unidirectional energy transport.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

70 MW-level picosecond mid-infrared radiation generation by difference frequency generation in AgGaS2, BaGa4Se7, LiGaSe2, and LiGaS2

Comparative study of nonlinear crystals for picosecond difference frequency generation in mid-IR is presented. Nonlinear crystals of AgGaS$_2$, BaGa$_4$Se$_7$, LiGaSe$_2$, and LiGaS$_2$ were studied. Samples of AgGaS$_2$, BaGa$_4$Se$_7$, LiGaSe$_2$, and LiGaS$_2$ were tested in thee sets having lengths of 2, 4, or 8 mm. In order to investigate the dependence of efficiency on the crystal length, three sets of crystals with lengths of 2, 4, or 8 mm were tested. The developed tunable DFG system was driven by the 1.03 $μ$m, 1.8 ps, Yb:YAG thin-disk laser system operated at the repetition rate of 10 or 100 Hz. As the best result, picosecond mid-IR pulses at a wavelength of $\sim$7 $μ$m with the energy up to 130 $μ$J corresponding to the peak power of $\sim$72 MW were generated using the 8 mm long LiGaS$_2$ crystal. Using the BaGa$_4$Se$_7$ crystal, DFG tunability in the wavelength range from 6 up to 13 $μ$m was achieved.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

High power single crystal KTA optical parametric amplifier for efficient 1.4-3.5 $μ$m mid-IR radiation generation

In this paper, we present a single crystal, KTA (potassium titanyl-arsenate, KTiOAsO$_4$) based picosecond optical parametric amplifier pumped by an in-house built 1030 nm Yb:YAG thin-disk laser, capable of tunability from 1.46 to 3.5 $μ$m, operating at 90 kHz, with high average power in the signal and idler beams. The highest output power of 8.9 W was reached for the 1750 nm signal beam with 19% conversion efficiency and the respective 2500 nm idler beam power was 6.2 W with 13% efficiency. The highest combined signal and idler mid-IR power was obtained at 17 W at the 2060 nm wavelength degeneracy point.

physics.optics↗