3 research outputs found
Diffraction of light by interfering liquid surface waves
Interfering liquid surface waves are generated by electrically driven
vertical oscillations of two or more equispaced pins immersed in a liquid
(water). The corresponding intensity distribution, resulting from diffraction
of monochromatic light by the reflection phase grating formed on the liquid
surface, is calculated theoretically and found to tally with experiments. The
curious features of the diffraction pattern and its relation to the
interference of waves on the liquid surface are used to measure the amplitude
and wavelength of the resultant surface wave along the line joining the two
sources of oscillation. Finally, a sample diffraction pattern obtained by
optically probing surface regions where interference produces a lattice--like
structure is demonstrated and qualitatively explained.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure
A simple experiment on diffraction of light by interfering liquid surface waves
We describe a simple experiment on the diffraction of monochromatic light by interfering liquid surface waves. The surface wave profile, which acts as a reflection phase grating for incident light, is generated by electrically driven vertical oscillations of two or more slightly immersed exciters. The theoretical intensity of the diffracted light agrees well with observations. In particular, we show the relation between the intensity and the amplitude ͑height͒ of the surface wave. Although invisible to the naked eye, the interference of liquid surface waves can be optically detected from the characteristic features of the diffraction pattern. In addition, we can measure the amplitude, wavelength, and phase velocity of the surface wave that propagates along the line joining the exciters
Probing liquid surface waves, liquid properties and liquid films with light diffraction
Surface waves on liquids act as a dynamical phase grating for incident light.
In this article, we revisit the classical method of probing such waves
(wavelengths of the order of mm) as well as inherent properties of liquids and
liquid films on liquids, using optical diffraction. A combination of simulation
and experiment is proposed to trace out the surface wave profiles in various
situations (\emph{eg.} for one or more vertical, slightly immersed,
electrically driven exciters). Subsequently, the surface tension and the
spatial damping coefficient (related to viscosity) of a variety of liquids are
measured carefully in order to gauge the efficiency of measuring liquid
properties using this optical probe. The final set of results deal with liquid
films where dispersion relations, surface and interface modes, interfacial
tension and related issues are investigated in some detail, both theoretically
and experimentally. On the whole, our observations and analyses seem to support
the claim that this simple, low--cost apparatus is capable of providing a
wealth of information on liquids and liquid surface waves in a non--destructive
way.Comment: 25 pages, 12 figures, to appear in Measurement Science and Technology
(IOP