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Abstract

A plasma x-ray source includes a chamber containing a gas at a prescribed pressure, the chamber defining a pinch region having a central axis, an RF electrode disposed around the pinch region for preionizing the gas in the pinch region to form a plasma shell that is symmetrical around the central axis, and a pinch anode and a pinch cathode disposed at opposite ends of the pinch region. The pinch anode and the pinch cathode produce a current through the plasma shell in an axial direction and produce an azimuthal magnetic field in the pinch region in response to a high energy electrical pulse. The azimuthal magnetic field causes the plasma shell to collapse to the central axis and to generate x-rays. Prior to collapse, the plasma shell may have a cylindrical shape or a spherical shape.

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First Claim