High-resolution spectroscopy for optical probing of continuously generated surface acoustic waves

Under conditions of continuous acoustic generation, light scattered from oppositely directed surface acoustic waves on y-cut z-propagating lithium niobate was frequency analyzed with a high-resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer. The following parameters were measured at 105 MHz: acoustic power standing-wave ratio, reflection coefficient for both sending and receiving transducers, low-power acoustic damping coefficients, surface wave propagation velocity, and nonlinear harmonic growth. We note that the method used has an advantage over other methods since it is to a large extent independent of the optical quality of the propagation surface.