G. Behme et T. Hesjedal, Reflection and mode conversion of surface acoustic waves studied by scanning acoustic force microscopy, APPL PHYS A, 72(4), 2001, pp. 491-493
We present measurements of the reflection and mode conversion of surface ac
oustic waves (SAWs) by scanning acoustic force microscopy (SAFM). The SAFM
offers a unique combination of high lateral resolution and high sensitivity
towards acoustic modes of all polarizations. Since a SAW mixing experiment
of two waves can be performed even if the amplitude difference between bot
h waves is 40 dB, wavefields of extremely small amplitudes can be investiga
ted. Using SAFM, the reflection of SAWs from a metallic wedge is investigat
ed with submicron lateral resolution. We are able to identify two reflected
wave modes, a Love and a non-coupling Rayleigh mode, by measuring their ph
ase velocities.