Abstract: A device uses a single inductor or a series of inductors to initially store energy. A series of opening switches are placed in the circuit with approximately equal inductance between each of the switches. Conducting leads are attached on either side of each opening switch and attached to the load at the other end. Each lead may have a blocking device such as a spark gap or diode to keep current from flowing in the load circuit when the leads are connected to the load. When the switches are all opened approximately simultaneously, the current in the storage inductor is transferred to the load with a voltage characteristic of the load and/or the opening time of the switches.

Abstract: An ionizable material is ejected in the shape of a cylindrical column from a cathode-nozzle toward an anode and subjected to a very short, high voltage pulse of electrical current having sufficient magnitude to create a high magnetic field which implodes the cylindrical column of ionizable material to a very high density plasma that emits long wave length x-rays. Accurate and reliably reproduced x-ray bursts are provided through coupling of the cathode and anode to the high voltage pulse generator without substantially degrading the pulse. The conductors between the pulse generator and the cathode and anode are of a configuration whereby a magnetic field is used to prevent the electron losses by tapering the spacing between feed conductors and shaping the feed conductors so that space-charge flow is retrapped and made usable.