Serial synchrotron crystallography sample holding system

A sample loading system, comprising:

• a sample holder including a sample holder base and a sample carrier attached to the sample holder base, the sample carrier including a sample support region configured to support thereon a sample in a liquid, the sample support region having opposing top and bottom surfaces with a through-hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;
• and
• a sample loading workstation including a humidity-controlled enclosure containing:
• a humidified chamber configured to receive humidified air, the enclosure including an opening providing access to an interior of the humidified chamber;
• a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the humidified chamber and located adjacent the sample carrier;
• and
• a sample holder platform adjacent the humidified chamber and including a capture device receiving the sample holder base such that the sample carrier is positioned within the humidified chamber adjacent the vacuum chamber,
• wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to selectively apply suction to the sample carrier of the sample holder to thereby remove the liquid from the sample.