A robust cold cathode uses an electron emitting construct design possibly for an x-ray emitter device. The electron beam emitted by the emitting construct is focused and accelerated by an electrical field towards an electron anode target. A shield is provided to prevent a cold cathode from being damaged by ion bombardment in high-voltage applications and a non-emitter zone may provide a robust ion bombardment zone. The system is further configured to provide an angled target anode or a stepped target anode to further reduce the ion bombardment damage.