Methods for simulating the readout of lengths and angles in laser interferometers with Gaussian beams

In this paper methods to simulate the signals in laser interferometers are proposed. The central part deals with the computation of the photocurrent, subsequent phase demodulation and finally the generation of interferometer signals, such as the longitudinal phase readout, differential wavefront sensing signal, differential power sensing and contrast. Here, fundamental Gaussian beams without astigmatism are assumed. The methods are validated in several examples by comparison with experimental data, with analytical results as well as with an intuitively predictable system.