Patent ID: 7746980

Claim:
An X-ray reflectometry apparatus for examination of a selected sample at a sample measuring position using an X-ray beam, the apparatus comprising: an X-ray source, said source configured to emit the X-ray beam for incidence on the selected sample at the sample measuring position; an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray beam following reflection from a surface of the selected sample located in the sample measuring position; a multiple sample holder having a substantially horizontal, one- or two-dimensional array of sample resting positions into which solid samples can be lowered; a drive mechanism to move said sample holder in one or two directions within a horizontal plane to place the selected sample directly beneath the sample measuring position; a stop disposed directly above the measuring position; and a sample lift mechanism disposed below said multiple sample holder beneath the sample measuring position, said sample lift mechanism having a vertically movable piston, wherein, upon activation of the sample lift mechanism, said piston moves upwards against a bottom surface of the selected sample and lifts the selected sample until it touches said stop to position and maintain the selected sample in the measuring position, and, upon deactivation of said sample lift mechanism, said piston moves downwards to move said sample into a resting position within said sample holder.