System and method for automated sampling and analysis

A sample generation system, comprising:

• a sample chamber including
• a sample chamber body defining an interior space tapering inwardly in a direction from an upper end of the sample chamber body to a lower end of the sample chamber body,
• a transmission window coupled to the sample chamber body,
• a sealing member coupled to the sample chamber body at the lower end of the sample chamber body,
• an inlet conduit extending through the sample chamber body, and
• an outlet conduit extending through the sample chamber body;
• a placement system configured to place a sample adjacent to the sample chamber, the placement system including
• a frame, and
• an actuator assembly coupled to the frame, where the actuator assembly is configured to place the sample adjacent to the sample chamber and abutted against the sealing member for laser ablation;
• and
• a laser configured to produce a laser beam that is propagated along a beam path to irradiate the sample.

A system for facilitating automated sample handling, comprising:

• an object handling system;
• and
• a sample generation system coupled to the inspection system, the sample generation system including
• a sample chamber including
• a sample chamber body defining an interior space tapering inwardly in a direction from an upper end of the sample chamber body to a lower end of the sample chamber body,
• a transmission window coupled to the sample chamber body,
• a sealing member coupled to the sample chamber body at the lower end of the sample chamber body,
• an inlet conduit extending through the sample chamber body, and
• an outlet conduit extending through the sample chamber body;
• and
• a placement system configured to place a sample adjacent to the sample chamber, the placement system including
• a frame, and
• an actuator assembly coupled to the frame, where the actuator assembly is configured to place the sample adjacent to the sample chamber and abutted against the sealing member for laser ablation.