Background The self-absorption effect of target materials plays a crucial role in shaping the performance of laser-driven X-ray sources, directly impacting their energy spectrum and angular distribution, which are critical parameters for applications such as high-resolution backlighting and radiographic diagnostics.

Purpose This study aims to systematically investigate how key parameters, including the electron source position relative to the wire target end-face, the diameter of the wire target, and the atomic number of the target material, affect the energy spectrum and angular distribution of emitted X rays.

Methods A series of Geant4-based Monte Carlo simulations were performed using a validated wire target model. Key parameters were varied: electron source offset (50–150 μm), wire diameter, and target material (Cu, Mo, W, Au). The simulation model was benchmarked against experimental data obtained from the Xingguang-III laser facility.

Results The results indicate that varying the electron source position within the studied range has a negligible influence on both the photon energy spectrum and angular distribution. In contrast, increasing the wire diameter leads to enhanced absorption of low-energy photons, resulting in noticeable spectral hardening and a broadening of the angular distribution due to increased multiple scattering. Furthermore, higher-Z target materials (W, Au) significantly enhance the high-energy photon yield but concurrently induce greater angular divergence.

Conclusions The findings provide quantitative insights into the self-absorption mechanism and its differential impact across parameters. This study offers concrete guidance for optimizing target design: selecting appropriate wire diameter and high-Z materials can tailor the spectral hardness and brightness, while mindful management of angular broadening is necessary for applications requiring high directivity.