A high pulse repetition rate (PRF) plasma gun is provided which gun inlets a selected propellant gas into a column formed between a center electrode (12) and a coaxial outer electrode (14), utilizes a solid state high repetition rate pulse driver (36) to provide a voltage across the electrodes and provides a plasma initiator at the base of the column, which is normally operative when the driver is fully charged. The plasma expands from the base end of the column and off the exit end thereof. When used as a thruster, for example in space applications, the driver voltage and electrode lengths are selected such that the plasma for each pulse exits the column at approximately the same time the voltage across the electrode reaches zero, thereby maximizing the thrust. The plasma is magnetically pinched as it exits the column, thereby raising the plasma temperature to provide thermal radiation at desired wavelengths. The plasma gun parameters can be selected to achieve a desired wavelength within the EUV band.