Patent ID: 7187345
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An image forming method for scanning a two-dimensional area on a sample with a charged particle beam and forming an image of the scanning area, the image forming method comprising the steps of: scanning a first scanning line located at top of the two-dimensional area on the sample, a second scanning line located at bottom of the two-dimensional area, and scanning a third scanning line located on a center between the first scanning line and the second scanning line; scanning new scanning lines located on center lines of first scanning line intervals prescribed by the first and third scanning lines and the second and third scanning lines, scanning further new scanning lines located on center lines of second scanning line intervals prescribed by the first, second and third scanning lines and the new scanning lines formed between the first and third scanning lines and between the second and third scanning lines, repeating scanning new scanning lines located on center lines between already scanned scanning lines, and thereby scanning the two-dimensional area.