Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Compact Lens-less Digital Holographic Microscope for MEMS Inspection and Characterization
Published on: July 5, 2016
Real-time, frequency-translated holographic visualization of surface acoustic wave interactions with surface-breaking
Abstract:
A real-time, frequency-translated holographic imaging system has been developed by use of bacteriorhodopsin film. The system provides a capability for imaging surface acoustic waves and has been utilized to detect and characterize surface-breaking defects through near-field ultrasonic scattering effects. Frequency-plane filtering was used to discriminate between ultrasonic standing-wave and near-field scattering features, dramatically enhancing the holographic visualization of the defect sites. A detailed description of the system is presented, along with representative holographic images showing the interaction of surface acoustic waves with surface-breaking cracks and small notches in aluminum and titanium substrates.
Related Concept Videos
Standing Waves in a Cavity
Sound Waves: Interference
Interference and Diffraction
Perception of Sound Waves
The pitch of a sound depends on the frequency and the pressure amplitude of the source. Two sounds of the same frequency...
Shock Waves
When the source's speed approaches the speed of sound, constructive interference between successive wavefronts emitted by the source occurs immediately behind it. Initially, scientists believed that this constructive interference would result in such high pressures...
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,...

