Detection of short X-ray pulses excited by an atmospheric-pressure discharge of nanosecond duration in air

The X-ray radiation of gas-filled diodes has been studied with the use of a multichannel detection unit based on microstrip GaAs ionizing-radiation detectors. It has been shown that a detector responses to X-ray pulses of subnanosecond duration and allows studies of the characteristics of X rays to be performed at short pulse durations and small exposure doses. Data on X rays formed in various diodes filled with atmospheric-pressure air have been obtained.