There are many technical challenges to be overcome before controlled fusion reactions can be achieved. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is being developed to initiate fusion reactions using the world's most powerful laser. Essential components of the Facility are the ultra pure silica (SiO2) lenses that focus the powerful laser beams on to the target. Irradiation with a high power laser has been observed to damage the silica lenses, resulting in the formation of defects. The ensuing degradation of the lens performance necessitates its replacement. It is therefore critical to characterize the induced defects and understand the laser damage initiation and evolution, so that damage mitigation strategies can be developed.

Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy and spectroscopy enables high spatial resolution and high sensitivity detection of defects in poorly conducting materials. It is therefore an ideal microanalytical technique with which to study laser irradiation-induced defects.