Patent ID: 8008635
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. A method for sample preparation, comprising the steps of: providing a sample preparation system having a focused ion beam instrument for sample machining and an independent and spaced scanning electron microscope; preparing said scanning electron microscope having gas supply means for supplying gas to surround a sample and having a manipulator equipped with a probe; preparing a thin-film sample on a sample holder using a machining function of said focused ion beam instrument; shifting the prepared thin-film sample to said scanning electron microscope together with a sample holder; and irradiating the thin-film sample with an electron beam of said electron microscope while injecting the gas at the thin-film sample from the gas supply means under the condition where the probe is contacted with the sample, whereby the thin-film sample is bonded to the probe.