Laboratory work, TE or TM polarization?

[nordmoon]

I have an IR laser for which I want to find the TE (Transverse Electrical) vs. TM (Transverse Magnetical) mode.

I know that the laser has linear polarization, and is configured for a single longitudinal mode with transverse mode close to TEM00.

I have a polarizer (not exactly but nearby the wavelength of the laser) and a half-wave plate.
Since the laser is in IR its hard to see the beam with your eyes. I can use a power meter but how do I know when its TE and TM?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

[anorlunda]

This PF thread should give you the answer.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/te-tm-and-tem-modes-in-lasers.716765/

BE SAFE with lasers. I get very nervous when you talk about using your eyes to detect.