Compact sources of X-ray radiation

A brief review of the history of the discovery and the first stages of the study of the properties of X-rays is made. The early stage of practical application is illustrated by historical examples. The key properties of X-rays and engineering directions of their application are compared in compressed form. The main stages of the improvement and technical specialization of X-ray tubes, some of their fundamental limitations as compact X- ray sources are shown. A brief survey of current state standards in Russia concerning x-ray tubes and some other compact X-ray sources is given. Compact X-ray sources, alternative to X-ray tubes, based on linear and cyclic accelerators, parametric radiation, plasma, laserelectron, isotope and pyroelectric, are considered. Key properties, operating principle and examples of execution are described.