Recent experiments at Sandia National Laboratories have demonstrated an electron beam diode X-ray source capable of producing >350 rad at one meter with 1.7 mm FWHM X-ray source distribution, with a 50 ns pulse-width and X-ray photon endpoint energy spectrum in the 6-7 MeV range. The diode operates at current densities of ≈1 MA/cm^{2}. The intense electron beam rapidly ( ≈ 5 ns) heats the X-ray conversion anode/target, liberating material in the form of low density ion emission early in the pulse and high density plasma later. This environment gives rise to beam/plasma collective effects which dominate the diode and beam characteristics, affecting the radiation properties (dose and spot-size). A review of the diode operation, the measured source characteristics and the simulation methods and diagnostics used to guide its optimization is given.
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