The anisotropy of thermal lensing and the photo-elastic effect is characterized for diodepumped Nd : KGd(WO4)2 crystals cut along the Np and Ng optical indicatrix axes and along its optical axis, O = Ng + 43°, at a laser wavelength of 1067 nm. Distortions in the spatial profile of the output laser beam are analyzed. The thermal lens is astigmatic; the orientation of its principal ...