Calculation of thermal-gradient-induced stress birefringence in slab Lasers-II

In an earlier article, we clarified conceptual and numerical difficulties in applying previously published methods for calculating thermal-gradient-induced stress birefringence to crystalline laser media. In this paper, we present calculations of the stress-induced birefringence and depolarization loss in Yb:YAG slab lasers for both straight-through and zigzag propagation. The alignment of the crystal´s axes with respect to the slab dimensions is shown to significantly determine the depolarization loss. In a realistic slab laser, the depolarization loss and its dependence on axis orientation is shown to vary from place to place within the gain medium due to changes in the local thermal gradient.