Generation of subnanosecond electron and x-ray pulses by high-voltage discharges in the atmosphere

The authors describe a method for generation of accelerated-electron pulses by breakdown of air of atmospheric density under conditions of multiple overvoltages. The natural pulse duration is ∼0.25 nsec. An oscillogram of the luminescence of B12 plastic under the influence of x-rays excited by electrons in tantalum 100 μm thick is show. The luminescence was registered by an SNFT-8 photomultiplier (τ1/2 = 1.5 nsec). The half-amplitude duration of the light pulse τ1/2 = 1.7 nsec. The electron-pulse duration as registered by the same system was also 1.7 nsec, i.e., the natural duration of the x-ray pulse is equal to the duration of the electron pulse