Irradiation system with support structure for sample holders

A method for operating an irradiation system, comprising:

• receiving, by in an irradiation chamber of an irradiator, a wheel structurally supported by a stand;
• suspending a plurality of sample holders on an outer edge of the wheel in a manner that maintains a horizontal alignment of each of the sample holders with a surface of the irradiation chamber on which the stand sits;
• exposing a first sample disposed on a first sample holder of the plurality of sample holders to radiation with a uniform distribution and at a specific dose rate, the first sample holder being closest to an x-ray tube of the irradiator than other ones of the plurality of sample holders;
• discontinuing radiation exposure to the first sample by rotating the wheel within the irradiation chamber so as to move the first sample holder away from the x-ray tube and out of alignment with an x-ray axis;
• continue rotating the wheel within the irradiation chamber so as to move another second sample holder closer to the x-ray tube and into alignment with the x-ray axis;
• and
• exposing a second sample disposed on the second sample holder of the plurality of sample holders to the radiation with the uniform distribution and at the specific dose rate.