The output power of linearly polarized Nd:YAG lasers is typically limited by thermally induced birefringence,which causes depolarization.However,this effect can be reduced by use of crystals which are cut in -direction,instead of the common -direction.In this paper,crystals cut in -and -directions are pumped by laser diodes.A comparison of the output power of linearly polarized laser between two crystals is presented.The experiments demonstrate that the depolarization can be reduced and the output power can be improved through using a -cut Nd:YAG crystal instead of a -cut crystal.