Abstract:A thermal model of crystal is established. The temperature field differential equation of the diode-end-pumped laser crystal with circular cross-section and new boundary conditions, in which the convection heat transfer is supposed to exist between laser crystal ends and air, is established. The analytical expressions of temperature field, thermal distortion and additional optical path difference (OPD) of crystal are obtained. By numerical calculation, the influence of heat transfer on the thermal effects of laser crystal Nd:YAG is studied. Results show that crystal’s thermal effects, including temperature field, thermal distortion, OPD and thermal focal length, are all weakened as the heat transfer through ends of crystal is strengthened. This conclusion could be used to control thermal effects of laser crystal and improve laser working stability.