Patent ID: 6831278
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: G11B,H01J

Abstract:
An electron beam irradiation system comprising:a rotary stage capable of detachably holding a target thereon; an electron optical microscope column for directing an electron beam at said target held on said rotary stage on an axis substantially normal to the target; a pumping block mounted at an end of said microscope column to evacuate air in a gap between said microscope column and said target; a moving mechanism for sliding said rotary stage relative to said microscope column radially of said rotary stage between a working position where said target held on said rotary stage is opposite to said microscope column and a mounting position where said target held on said rotary stage is spaced from said microscope column; and a cover member which, when said rotary stage moves from said working position to said mounting position, is brought close to or into intimate contact with one of a side surface of said rotary stage or a side surface of said target to prevent vacuum deterioration and which, when said rotary stage is in said mounting position, is opposite to said microscope column and the height of the top surface of which is substantially flush with that of the top surface of said target.