A high-power pulse-periodic TEA CO2 laser is used as a component of a long-
range mobile differential absorption lidar. In order to reach the ultimate
peak generation power, a system for laser excitation with a supply voltage
of +/-40 kV and efficient preionization was developed, allowing the laser t
o operate at high pressures of gas mixtures of various compositions. Energy
, time, and spatial characteristics of laser radiation were studied. Laser
pulses with an energy of >10 J and FWHM duration of similar to 30 ns were o
btained. The ultimate peak laser radiation power is 100 MW, and the maximum
efficiency with respect to the discharge-consumed energy is 12.6%.