Abstract: A method of sorting a mixed group of plastic articles, such as PET and PVC containers, involves individually subjecting each article to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and detecting a change in the intensity of the beam. The measured intensity varies in a manner indicative of the crystallinity of the plastic from which the article is made, and hence identifies the type of plastic the article is made of. Each article is then sent to one of a plurality of destinations, such as recycling collection bins, according to the type of plastic. The method is particularly useful in separating PET and PVC used in containers, since these plastics are very difficult to sort by conventional methods.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma is repeatably generated in a first area directly from solid material without exploding the latter. X-rays are generated in a second area by passing high current through the plasma causing radial inward magnetic field pinching. Accurate control and improved intensity performance, and greater flexibility in selection of X-ray emitting materials, are provided by the separation of the plasma generating and the X-ray pinch generating functions.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma is repeatably generated in a first area directly from solid material without exploding the latter. X-rays are generated in a second area by passing high current through the plasma causing radial inward magnetic field pinching. Accurate control and improved intensity performance, and greater flexibility in selection of X-ray emitting materials, are provided by the separation of the plasma generating and the X-ray pinch generating functions. Common electrode structure is provided for plasma generating and for plasma pinching, which common electrode also provides a cylindrical plasma communication passage from the first to the second area, and provides an X-ray emission passage of desired axial orientation.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma is repeatably generated in a first area directly from solid material without exploding the latter. X-rays are generated in a second area by passing high current through the plasma causing radial inward magnetic field pinching. Accurate control and improved intensity performance, and greater flexibility in selection of X-ray emitting materials, are provided by the separation of the plasma generating and the X-ray pinch generating functions. Common electrode structure is provided for plasma generating and for plasma pinching, which common electrode also provides a cylindrical plasma communication passage from the first to the second area, and provides an X-ray emission passage of desired axial orientation.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma vapor is repeatably generated directly from solid material by impingement of a plurality of circumferentially spaced laser beams to generate an annulus of plasma. X-rays are generated by passing high current through the annular plasma in an axial gap between the solid material target electrode and another electrode, causing magnetic field radial inward plasma pinching to a central constricted area further heating the plasma and emitting X-rays. A central axially directed laser may further heat the plasma in the pinched area.