Plasma x-ray tube, in particular for x-ray preionization of gas lasers

Abstract

A plasma X-ray tube with high electron current densities includes a plasma chamber formed of a metal hollow cathode having an outer limiting wall with an X-ray target and a mutually spaced apart and opposed inner limiting wall with at least one metal acceleration grid being highly transparent to electron and ion radiation and being in alignment with the X-ray target defining a path. At least one ignition electrode in the form of a thin wire protrudes into the plasma chamber at positive potential relative to the hollow cathode. At least one anode retained in an insulated and gas-tight manner in one of the side walls of the hollow cathode is disposed laterally of the alignment of the target and grid and at positive potential relative to the hollow cathode. An acceleration chamber adjoins and communicates with the plasma chamber through the acceleration grid. The acceleration chamber is surrounded by metal walls in electrical and gas-tight connection with the limiting walls of the hollow cathode. An acceleration cathode is at high negative potential relative to the acceleration grid. The acceleration cathode has a shaft and a head in alignment with the path and spaced apart from the acceleration grid. The shaft of the acceleration cathode is retained in an insulating gas-tight duct in a wall facing the acceleration grid.