An apparatus for emitting x-rays comprises a housing which contains an anode
having
an electron receiving surface and a cathode having an electron emitting surface.
A cable couples the anode to a source of high voltage. An optical fiber secured
to the cable has a proximal end coupled to a source of optical energy and a distal
end configured to direct the optical energy onto the cathode's electron emitting
surface. The cathode emits electrons which strike the anode to create x-ray radiation.
