III Interaction of Light and Acoustic Surface Waves

Abstract

This chapter describes the interaction of light and acoustic surface waves. It discusses two major areas in the interaction of light and acoustic surface waves. One is the light diffraction by acoustic surface waves and the other is the interactions of optical guided waves and acoustic surface waves. The study of light diffraction by acoustic surface waves results in a convenient optical probing technique to study the propagation characteristics of acoustic surface waves that are needed for the design and utilization of acoustic surface wave devices. The interest in the interaction of light and acoustic surface waves began after the recent advance of acoustic surface technology. In designing acoustic surface wave devices, it is necessary to have a detailed knowledge of the propagation characteristics of these waves on any isotropic or anisotropic substrate. Optical probing of acoustic surface waves based on the light diffraction by acoustic surface waves has become a convenient tool in studying and utilizing these waves.