Spatial and temporal dynamics of two interacting modes in parametrically driven surface waves

Nonlinear waves with basic wave numbers, k(1) and k(2), are simultaneously excited via two-frequency parametric excitation of a fluid surface. Three new multiwave states are observed: (1) A superlattice state composed of k(1) and k(2) whose relative orientation is governed by a temporal resonance condition, (2) a superlattice built entirely of wave numbers k(1) and k(1)/2, and (3) a state composed of wave numbers of lengths k(1) and k(2) that are uncorrelated in both space and time. The three states exhibit interesting temporal as well as spatial behavior and are observed in a variety of frequency combinations.