Sample loading system for a radiation effects testing system

Abstract

A radiation effects testing system that includes a sample test housing, a neutron generator comprising a beam accelerator configured to generate an ion beam, a target chamber, and a beamline extending from the beam accelerator to the target chamber, and a sample loading system comprising a loading duct having a loading end and a chamber end, and a sample carrier translatable along the loading duct. The chamber end is coupled to the sample test housing, thereby providing a pathway from the loading end into the sample test housing. The loading duct comprises a descent segment extending from the loading end and an approach segment extending from the chamber end. The descent segment and the approach segment are non-parallel. Moreover, the sample carrier is in an upright orientation when located in the descent segment of the loading duct and when located in the approach segment of the loading duct.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.