Systems and methods for generating X-ray photons. The methods comprise: generating an electron beam; positioning hollow pedestals in the path of the electron beam (the hollow pedestals being radially spaced apart from each other and extending out and away from a major planar face of a base plate); generating X-ray radiation as a result of an interaction of the electron beam with target element(s) disposed at a distal end of a respective pedestal of the hollow pedestals; causing the X-ray radiation to interact with a beam shield comprising wall elements extending out and away from the major planar face of the base plate; and setting at least one of a beam shape and direction of the X-ray radiation by selectively controlling a location where the electron beam intersects the target element(s) to determine an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the wall elements.