Polarization effects, tasks 3 and 4

The LP-140 is a commercial pulsed CO2 laser system. An attempt was made to convert this workhorse laser into a device suitable for coherent LIDAR applications. This required initial laser characterization, and system modification. The key changes which enabled the laser to display encouraging characteristics are: increased cavity length; increased gas flow; gas mixture modification; and power supply redesign. With suitable modifications, the LP-140 becomes a viable candidate for a coherent LIDAR.