Thermal depolarization caused by birefringence is a major factor that limits the output power of linearly polarized Nd:YAG laser. This paper theoretically analyzes the thermal depolarization of [111]- and [100]-cut Nd:YAG rods and output power of two diode-pumped Nd:YAG rods are compared experimentally. 3×80 mm sized [111]- and [100]- cut rods with doping concentration of 1.1±0.1at.% are used. With a pump power of 180 W, the ratio of linearly polarized output power versus unpolarized output powe
