Problem of depolarization of linearly polarized light by a YAG: $Nd^{3+}$ laser-active element under thermally induced birefringence conditions

A calculation is reported of the depolarization of linearly polarized light by a YAG: $Nd^{3+}$ cylindrical active element kept under uniform heat evolution and heat removal conditions. It is shown that the losses per pass through an active element placed between two crossed polarizers can be approximately halved by the use of elements cut along the fourfold axis of a YAG: $Nd^{3+}$ crystal.