We present a theory of radiation damage formation in alkali halides based o
n a new mechanism of dislocation climb, which involves the production of V-
F centers (self-trapped hole neighboring a cation vacancy) as a result of t
he absorption of H centers of dislocation lines. We consider the evolution
of all experimentally observed extended defects: metal colloids, gas bubble
s, and vacancy voids. Voids are shown to arise and grow large due to the re
action between F and V-F centers at the surface of halogen bubbles. Voids c
an ignite a back reaction between the radiolytic products resulting in deco
mposition of the irradiated material. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physic
s. [S0021-8979(99)00623-4].