Image‐intensity functions have been calculated for acousto‐optic phase‐resolved schlieren in the phase grating (Raman–Nath) diffraction limit. The calculation applies to the case where a circular stop is used. Any number of diffraction orders may be stopped. The results are programmed into a laboratory GT‐44/PDP‐11 real‐time graphic system and compared to experimental observations. The latter include TV monitoring of both the diffraction orders and the image distribution and photomultiplier‐pinhole recording of the image‐intensity distribution. It appears that phase resolution will permit quantitative pressure level determinations. The results aid significantly in interpreting phase‐resolved schlieren observations from radiation and scattering mechanisms.Subject Classification: [43]35.65.