Modular laser-produced plasma X-ray system

A modular laser-produced plasma X-ray system comprising:

• a liquid metal flow system enclosed within a low-pressure chamber, the flow system including a liquid metal, wherein in at least one location on the liquid metal forms a metal target directly illuminated by laser pulses;
• a circulation pump within the liquid metal flow system for circulating the liquid metal;
• a laser pulse emitter configured to transmit laser pulses into the chamber via a laser window;
• focusing optics, located between the emitter and the metal target, the focusing optics directing the laser pulses to strike the metal target at a target location to form X-ray pulses;
• and
• an X-ray window positioned within the chamber to enable the X-ray pulses to exit the chamber, wherein:
• the laser pulses prevent debris from accumulating on the laser window or a debris shield inserted between the laser window and the target and
• the laser pulses reflect off the target surface onto the X-ray window and prevent debris from accumulating on the X-ray window of a debris shield inserted between the target and the X-ray window.