X-ray diffraction by surface acoustic waves

X-ray diffraction on the YZ cut of a LiNbO3 crystal modulated by surface acoustic waves was investigated under the total external reflection conditions. It is shown that the characteristics of the diffracted beam are determined by the amplitude and by the period of the surface acoustic waves. This experimental study has revealed the possibility of fabricating optical instruments for space-time modulation of X-ray diffracted radiations based on the control of the wavelength of the surface acoustic waves.