A long life, 2 kHz X-ray preioniser

Progress towards achieving kilohertz repetition rate, kilowatt class excimer lasers has spurred the development of long life, high repetition rate X-ray preionisers. An X-ray preioniser has three main parts-driver, cathodes and anode. In its simplest form there are two electrodes separated by a dielectric surface and a fast rising voltage pulse across these produces a corona emission. This discharge spreads out, desorbing and removing surface material which is ionised and in this way a surface plasma is formed. The construction and operation of an X-ray preioniser is described