Patent ID: 7397031
Filing Date: 2008-07-08
Classification: G01N,G01R,H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for inspecting a sample using a scanning electron microscope comprising: a sample stage to mount the sample; first electron-optical system to scan an electron beam of a first beam current on the sample; a second electron-optical system to scan an electron beam of a second beam current smaller than the first beam current on the sample; a mechanism arranged to move the sample stage; a detector provided in each of the first and second electron-optical systems to detect a secondary electron caused by the scan of a corresponding one of the electron beams; wherein the first electron-optical system is operable in a first mode and the second electron-optical system is operable in a second mode with higher resolution than that of the first mode, in the first mode, the sample is observed while the sample stage is moved continuously; and in the second mode, the sample is observed by detecting a secondary electron using the detector, while the sample stage is held stationary.