Pulsed X-ray diode with a long-lifetime plasma cathode

We have tested an X-ray diode working in reflection geometry, which uses co mmercial spark-plugs as plasma cathode. The results of the characterisation work confirm that the spark-plug plasma cathode is a reliable and long-lif etime electron source for X-ray diodes. After more than 10(6) shots, the X- ray dose, uniformity, and ionisation rate values guarantee an effective pre ionisation of excimer laser discharges. Owing to both the long lifetime and the substantial absence of maintenance, this X-ray diode seems suitable to preionise commercial gas lasers, such as excimer and TEA CO2 lasers.