Determination of Sound Velocities in Liquids Using Light Diffraction of Ultrasonic Waves

Abstract

Previous to the writing of this paper, Paul A. McIntosh, a 1964 Kalamazoo College graduate, examined diffraction of light by ultrasonic waves. More specifically, he derived the equation for the wave1ength of sound in water and presented the Raman and Nath equations for the intensity distribution due to pure progressive waves, pure standing waves, and waves of various wave ratios. My continued work in this area involved working out a method of determining sound velocities in small quantities of transparent liquids; deionized water, steamdistilled-wood turpentine, methyl alcohol, and mineral oil. In addition, the wavelength of a continuous gas laser light was calculated.