Interaction between light and sound

Abstract

Sound waves can modulate light in amplitude and phase, deflect it, focus it, or shift its frequency. Light can render acoustic images visible or provide detailed information on the thermal vibrations in solids and liquids. Diffraction of light waves by sound waves takes several different forms, depending on the two wavelengths and the dimensions of the interaction region. An analysis and description of these different forms is given, followed by a detailed discussion of a wide variety of applications, including signal processing devices, spectrum analyzers, television displays, image translators, memories, and the conversion of light into sound.