Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Multiplexing Focused Ultrasound Stimulation with Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: January 7, 2019
Light diffraction by two parallel superposed ultrasonic waves of the frequency ratio 1:2
G Gondek1, I Grulkowski, P Kwiek
1Institute of Experimental Physics, Uniwersytet Gdanski, Gdansk, Poland.
Abstract:
The paper constitutes a concise study of light diffraction by two superposed ultrasonic waves of the frequency ratio 1:2, beyond the Raman-Nath diffraction regime. Relevant numerical simulations of light intensity distribution within separate diffraction orders are shown based on the Nth order approximation method (NOA). A comparison is given between generalized theoretical predictions (N=7) and simplified formulas of Mertens (N=2) [R. Mertens, Diffraction of light by two parallel superposed supersonic waves, one being the nth harmonic of the other: A critical study of the methods leading to approximate solutions in finite form, Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 55 (1962) 63-98.]. Moreover, the results of the performed experiment are presented which indicate limited applicability range of Mertens' pioneer description of 1962.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Interference and Superposition of Waves
Interference occurs in mechanical waves, such as sound waves, waves on a string, and surface water waves. Mechanical waves correspond to the physical displacement of particles. Hence,...
Sound Waves: Interference
Determination of Crystal Structures
Echo
Imagine the sound is reflected back to the ears. Assuming that the source is very close to the human, the difference between hearing the two sounds—the emitted sound and the reflected sound—may be more than the minimum time for perceiving distinct sounds. If this is the case, then the...
Standing Waves

