  Beta Cephei-type variables are early B-type stars that are characterized by
oscillations observable in their optical light curves. At least one Beta
Cep-variable also shows periodic variability in X-rays. Here we study the X-ray
light curves in a sample of beta Cep-variables to investigate how common X-ray
pulsations are for this type of stars. We searched the Chandra and XMM-Newton
X-ray archives and selected stars that were observed by these telescopes for at
least three optical pulsational periods. We retrieved and analyzed the X-ray
data for kappa Sco, beta Cru, and alpha Vir. The X-ray light curves of these
objects were studied to test for their variability and periodicity. While there
is a weak indication for X-ray variability in beta Cru, we find no
statistically significant evidence of X-ray pulsations in any of our sample
stars. This might be due either to the insufficient data quality or to the
physical lack of modulations. New, more sensitive observations should settle
this question.
