Several modifications of ultrafast capillary discharge devices have been op
erated in 3 gases (Xenon, Argon, Methane) at low pressure to obtain XUV rad
iation. Combining the features of a transient hollow cathode discharge with
the inherent characteristics of the capillary discharge leads to a new sta
rting regime different from the standard one. An electron beam being suppor
ted by the Hollow Cathode Effect makes the discharge initiating on-axis wit
hout any pollution by wall material, The capillary acts only as a limiter.
After initiation, the heating process finishes within one ns time scale. Us
ing a stored energy of less than 0.5 J, we achieve plasma temperatures high
er than 80eV. With respect to future applications, our table top device giv
es the edge on other systems like laser produced plasmas or synchrotons. th
rough compacity, simplicity and cost effectiveness. With respect to basic r
esearch, we are close to the lasing conditions of the recombination scheme.
We report on the electric parameters, the spatial and temporal development
of the emitting source and the time-resolved XUV-spectroscopy including rad
iance analysis.