Influence of mechanical stress on nanosecond laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica

► Laser-induced damage thresholds of fused silica vs. mechanical stress were determined. ► A laser wavelength of 1064 nm and a pulse width of 12 ns were used. ► A bulk LIDT value of about 700 J/cm2 was found. ► The damage threshold was independent on mechanical stress up to 220 N/mm2 ► No influence of the polarization state on the LIDT was observed.