Generation of powerful sub-nanosecond e-beams and x-rays in gas discharges under atmospheric pressure

This paper reports on experimental studies on generation of sub-nanosecond electron beams and X-rays in gas discharges under atmospheric pressure. The properties of the runaway electrons and X-ray radiation produced using a nanosecond volume discharge are examined. An electron beam with amplitude of ∼ 100 A has been obtained. Current pulse duration (FWHM) of the fast electrons beam formed in an atmospheric gas diode behind the foil is ≤ 100 ps. A prepulse is found on the waveforms of the beam current of fast electrons, which advances the main peak by ∼200 ps. Three groups of the runaway electrons are formed in a gas diode under atmospheric air pressure, when nanosecond voltage pulses with amplitude of hundreds of kilovolts are applied.