Various patterns made by interference of surface waves

Abstract

A series of interference patterns are presented systematically by manipulating the surface waves (SWs) interference. Based on the numerical simulation, the periodic patterns in different lattices are presented by varying the opening angle and the number of SWs beams. According the diffraction order waves theory, the period of the pattern produced by two SWs interference can be calculated by a simplified equation. It illustrates the period is related to the diffraction order. And the included angle between the two SWs waves leads to the period changing as a sine curve. Additionally, it is shown that the number of SWs beams gives rise to different pattern types. Their period could be calculated by some general equations, which are agreed well with the simulation. At last, more complicated quasi-periodic and non-periodic patterns are demonstrated by superposing more SWs in different angle. What's more, infinite SWs interference superposition is analyzed. And the pattern is composed with many concentric rings, which is similar to the light of Bessel beam. This work gives a fundamental analysis for near field interference of SWs, which is helpful for nanoscale device design.