The main problems of electronic excitation changes, and self-induced lattice distortions and self-trapping of excitations in rare-gas cryocrystals, were considered. The mechanisms of energy relaxation, and new point-defect formation, in the lattice were analyzed on the basis of spectroscopic measurements of cathodoluminescence and absorption as a function of temperature and radiation dose. It was noted that the temporal evolution of excitons in the lattice was controlled by opposed tendencies: continuous and discrete.

I.Fugol: Materials Science Forum, 1997, 239-241, 517-24