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 (height) 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]