Hollow cathode discharge as pulsed X-ray source

Pre-ionization controlled transient hollow cathode discharges operating at pulsed high voltages of some tens of kV and gas pressure around 0.1 mbar ar e used to generate electron beams of some tens of A during about 10 ns. The se latter are used to produce bremsstrahlung X rays which are energy analyz ed. X ray spectrum is used as a tool for beam diagnostic. Evidenced beam pr operties and discharge versatility allow to consider the use of these devic es as miniature X ray source. Its feasibility is studied.