radiation damage
radiation damage, change in the ordered structure of crystalline material caused by interaction with radiation such as strong X-rays, gamma rays, fast neutrons, and other energetic subatomic particles. The changes in crystalline structure may result in either beneficial or detrimental modifications of properties.
This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
Citation Information
Article Title:
radiation damage
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
05 September 2013
Access Date:
November 14, 2026