A flash radiography diode includes a cathode and an anode. The cathode includes a frustum member with a bore extending through the frustum member. The anode is a tapered anode made of an electrically conductive material and oriented toward the cathode. The anode and the cathode are housed in a chamber with a gap between the anode and the cathode. The cathode is configured to emit electrons to the tapered anode, which electrons strike the anode and create an anode plasma. The anode plasma creates X rays which propagate from the anode.