Constraints on the detection of topological charge of optical vortices using self-reference interferometry

Self-reference interferometry of optical vortices using a Michelson interferometer is investigated in this paper. It is found that the detection of topological charge (TC) for the optical vortices is constrained by some physical conditions. We present these conditions through the theoretical analyses, numerical simulation and experimental results. For different parameters, the maximal detectable TCs are different, which is helpful for the measurement of TC in the practical application. Within the range allowed by the constrained conditions, we also study the detection of TC using the interference pattern of two-way optical vortex by changing the inclined angle of one mirror of the Michelson interferometer.