This thesis investigates the behavior of two candidate materials (a-SiO₂ and MgO) for applications in fusion (e.g., the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)) and Generation IV fission reactors. Both parts of the thesis - the development of the ionoluminescence technique and the study of the ion-irradiation effects on both materials - are highly relevant for the fields of the ion-beam analysis techniques and irradiation damage in materials. The research presented determines the microstructural changes at different length scales in these materials under ion irradiation. In particular, it studies the effect of the irradiation temperature using several advanced characterization techniques. It also provides much-needed insights into the use of these materials at elevated temperatures. Further, it discusses the development of the ion-beam-induced luminescence technique in different research facilities around the globe, a powerful in situ spectroscopic characterization method that until now was little known.
Thanks to its relevance, rigorosity and quality, this thesis has received two prestigious awards in Spain and France.

Nominated as an outstanding PhD thesis by the Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
Presents a detailed study of ion-irradiation damage in silica and magnesium oxide (MgO) Includes a detailed study of the ionoluminescence technique Illustrated with over 100 color photos