Patent ID: 6078045
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
Process for analysis of a sample (1), with a primary ion source (2) and a mass spectrometer (3), where a primary ion beam (1A) emitted by the primary ion source (2) is aimed at the surface of the sample (1) during the analysis, and the mass spectrometer (3) detects the secondary ions emitted by the sample (1),characterized in thatin a first process step, the kinetic energy of the emitted primary ions is set to a relatively low value, so that the surface of the sample (1) is enriched with primary ions, and erosion of the surface of the sample (1) essentially does not take place, and that in a second process step, the kinetic energy of the primary ions is set to a relatively high value, so that the surface of the sample (1) is eroded by the primary ion beam.