Patent ID: 8653443
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: G01N,G21K

Abstract:
1. A neutral particle microscope operating in reflection mode comprising: a neutral particle source that emits through a source nozzle neutral particles towards a beam forming element, the beam forming element having an aperture holder approximately cone or wedge in shape having a sub-micron diameter aperture at the point end in flow communication with an opposing end, the opposing end constructed to receive a source stream of neutral particles; a source stream consisting of a gas released into vacuum into the opposing end, the source stream flowing downstream through the aperture holder in free molecular flow such that a beam of neutral particles exit the aperture at a location proximal to the sample surface at a beam landing spot; a control positioner for scanning the surface of the sample and the beam of neutral particles relative to each other; at least one detector arranged to sense the gas and positioned to receive neutral particles scattering from the beam landing spot in the direction of the detector in free molecular flow; and a processor connected to the detector and control positioner for generating an image of the sample surface.