Patent ID: 9058959
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A scanning ion microscope comprising: an ion source; a specimen stage configured to hold a specimen; an ion optical system configured to cause ions emitted from the ion source converge on the specimen and make deflection of the converged ions to a given position on the specimen; an ion controller configured to control the ion optical system; a secondary particle detector configured to detect a secondary particle emitted from the specimen; and an image processing unit configured to form an image in which by a signal from the secondary particle detector corresponds to the deflection of the converged ions, and store the image in a storage unit and displays the image on a display unit; wherein the scanning ion microscope further comprises: a support member, which is electrically-conductive, configured to support a thin film which is irradiated with the ions, is disposed between the ion optical system and the specimen; a potential control unit configured to control a first electric potential, which is an electric potential of the support member; and an electrode potential control unit configured to control a second electric potential, which is an electric potential of an electrode that is disposed between the thin film and the specimen, the electrode having an opening therein; and wherein secondary electrons emitted from the thin film are prevented from entering the secondary particle detector by maintaining the second electric potential relatively negative with respect to the first electric potential.