A pulsed, compact, low-background X-ray generator

A novel type of pulsed X-ray generator especially suitable for rare event searches, as dark matter and neutrino experiments, has been developed. Built with selected radio-pure materials, it combines low-background capability and compactness. UV light generated by a discharge in an adequate gas produces photoelectrons on a thin metallic photocathode deposited on a UV transparent crystal. Photo-electrons are accelerated to a thin-metallic anode element where they produce X-rays. The X-rays are emitted in bunches with an excellent time resolution that can be better than 1 ns, and the system will provide a fast trigger for event tagging. We present the idea of the new X-ray generator as well as experimental results showing the proof of principle of the device. Data are in good agreement with simulation results and future optimisations of the system are also discussed.