  A novel type of pulsed X-ray generator especially suitable for rare event
searches, as dark matter and neutrino experiments, has been developed. Being
compact and built with selected radio-pure materials, it is appropriate for
low-background experiments. UV light generated by a pulsed lamp produces
photoelectrons on a metallic cathode, which are subsequently accelerated to
produce X-rays. The X-rays are emitted in bunches with a time resolution better
than 1 ns and the system provides 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 concept of the device. Data are in good agreement with simulation
results and future optimisations of the system are also discussed.
