Intense electron beam sources for flash radiography

High intensity pulsed electron beams are used to create bremsstrahlung x-ray sources for flash radiographic interrogation of dynamic experiments. Typical industrial sources operate below 200 GW/cm
²
intensities, while experimental requirements can demand above 50 TW/cm
²
. Recent developments in pulsed power-driven high intensity electron beam systems have significantly increased these operating regimes, demonstrating 20 TW/cm
²
, and computations predict successful extrapolation to higher intensities. Detailed studies of electron beam configurations, both theoretical and experimental, and the prognosis for each to increase to the required levels is discussed.