Patent ID: 11942303
Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC H  G | IPC G  H

Claim 0:
1. A multi-beam apparatus configured to emit multiple charged-particle beams for imaging a top of and a side of a structure of a sample, the apparatus comprising:
a deflector array including a first deflector and configured to receive a first charged-particle beam and a second charged-particle beam;
a blocking plate configured to block one of the first charged-particle beam and the second charged-particle beam;
a moveable objective lens; and
a controller having circuitry and configured to change the configuration of the apparatus to transition between a first mode and a second mode, wherein:
in the first mode:
the deflector array is configured to direct the second charged-particle beam to image the top of the structure,
the moveable objective lens is configured to be positioned at a first location to focus the second charged-particle beam onto the top of the structure, and
the blocking plate is configured to block the first charged-particle beam, and

in the second mode:
the first deflector is configured to deflect the first charged-particle beam to image the side of the structure,
the moveable objective lens is configured to be positioned at a second location different from the first location to focus the first charged-particle beam onto the side of the structure, and
the blocking plate is configured to block the second charged-particle beam.