Diffraction of light by interfering liquid surface waves

Interfering liquid surface waves are generated by electrically driven vertical oscillations of two or more equispaced pins immersed in a liquid (water). The corresponding intensity distribution, resulting from diffraction of monochromatic light by the reflection phase grating formed on the liquid surface, is calculated theoretically and found to tally with experiments. The curious features of the diffraction pattern and its relation to the interference of waves on the liquid surface are used to measure the amplitude and wavelength of the resultant surface wave along the line joining the two sources of oscillation. Finally, a sample diffraction pattern obtained by optically probing surface regions where interference produces a lattice--like structure is demonstrated and qualitatively explained.