STI has been a pioneer in the development of discharge lasers, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2) and excimer lasers. Besides performing research on these devices, we have delivered custom lasers to customers in the U.S. and overseas. As an example, STI built a frequency-agile CO2 laser, called Wildcat, for standoff detection of chemical warfare agents. The laser was developed as part of the Joint Services Wild program. It produces 1 J/pulse at a pulse repetition rate of up to 100 pulses per second and is line tunable between pulses from 9.3–10.7 mm. The laser is designed to operate in a DIAL lidar system. In DIAL, the ratios of scattered light from aerosols on laser emission lines absorbed by the chemical warfare agent are compared to similar wavelength lines with no absorption. Lasers are constantly finding new applications, such as environmental sensing and homeland defense. STI also specializes in using and modifying as necessary commercially available lasers to suit new applications. For more information please contact Dr. Wayne D. Kimura (see Contacting Us).