Patent ID: 6172363
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: G01R,H01J

Abstract:
A circuit pattern inspection method comprising the steps of: scanning a first region of a surface of a substrate having a circuit pattern formed thereon with a primary electron beam; detecting a signal generated secondarily from said first region by said primary electron beam; forming an electron-beam image of said first region from the detected signal; storing said electron-beam image of said first region; scanning a second region of said substrate with a primary electron beam; detecting a signal generated secondarily from said second region by said primary electron beam; forming an electron-beam image of said second region from the detected signal; storing said electron-beam image of said second region; making comparison between the stored image of said first region and the stored image of said second region; and making a judgment on a defect in said circuit pattern on said substrate from a result of the comparison; wherein in the steps of scanning said first and second regions with said primary electron beam, said electron-beam image of a target region is formed by scanning with said electron beam in a manner so that said secondarily generated signal is detected at a time when electric charges due to the electron beam begin to be accumulated on the surface of the substrate and before a contrast of said electron-beam image is substantially changed.