Effect of birefringence on the performance of linearly polarized YAG:Nd lasers

The thermally induced stress birefringence has been known to severely affect the performance of a solid-state laser system when the beam is linearly polarized. This paper refines the theory of the interaction of a linearly polarized wave with a continuously pumped YAG : Nd crystal; in conjunction with experimental evidence this paper illustrates the angular independence of the birefringence, describes the radial dependence, and explains the laser power losses involved.