Patent ID: 6137110
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A focused ion beam source for generating a beam of charged particles having a desired ion current and a cross section of submicron diameter, and wherein the charged particles comprising the beam have energies within a desired energy range, comprising:a target having a surface comprised of ion source material evaporable by laser energy;a laser source for generating a beam of laser energy;a point of incidence on said target surface, where the cross section of the laser beam at said point of incidence has a diameter of less than 2 microns and where the laser beam strikes said target surface producing a laser ablated cloud comprising charged particles;means for extracting a beam of charged particles from the laser ablated cloud, whereby the charged particle beam has the desired ion current and the desired energy range; andmeans for focusing the extracted beam of charged particles, whereby the focused charged particle beam has a cross section of submicron diameter at a focal point.