A target chamber for PIXE irradiations is described. This compact aluminum chamber has a small volume for rapid evacuation and a short (30 mm) target to detector distance. Beam collimators and detector filter/collimators are changed simultaneously by rotating either a six or nine position disc. A circular array of eight 25 mm diameter targets or an 82 mm diameter sample holding frame is rotated by a 192 step solenoid-operated ratchet which also functions as an angular position encoder. Other options include provisions for mounting a particle backscatter detector, backfill with helium gas, and vertical variation of target position by motor driven cam.