Patent ID: 7091492
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An electron beam imaging system comprising an electron beam source configured to direct a specimen analysis beam of electrons in the direction of a specimen under examination, and an imaging device configured to generate an image representing said specimen, wherein: said imaging device comprises first and second fiber optic plates and an optical detector; said electron beam imaging system comprises an evacuation chamber accommodating said specimen, said beam of electrons, and said imaging device; said optical detector defines an input face; said first fiber optic plate defines an input face and an output face; said output face of said first fiber optic plate is optically coupled and bonded to said input face of said optical detector; said second fiber optic plate defines an input face and an output face; said input face of said second fiber optic plate is coated with an optical scintillator configured to emit optical photons in response to incident electrons; said output face of said second fiber optic plate is optically coupled to said input face of said first fiber optic plate via an optical coupling gel; said optical coupling gel is configured to flow under a given shear rate; and said bond between said first fiber optic plate and said detector is configured to withstand a shear rate greater than said given shear rate at which said gel is configured to flow, enabling disengagement of said second fiber optic plate from said first fiber optic plate without substantial disturbance to the integrity of the bond between said first fiber optic plate and said detector.