Models and mechanisms of intrinsic radiation defect formation in the metals and alkali-halide crystals
are considered. The effect of irradiation conditions (temperature, absorbed dose, etc.) on the formation of the
primary and secondary defects, fomation of the aggregate radiation defects (voids), and affection of heat
treatment on the properties of irradiated metals are discussed herein. It is noted that low radiation resistance of
alkali halide crystals is connected to the under-threshold mechanism of defect formation.
Keywords: Radiation, metal, alkali halide, color centers, radiation defects, mechanism of radiation defect formation.