Patent ID: 7880143
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An electron beam apparatus comprising an illumination optical system which irradiates an electron beam onto a sample, a detection optical system which detects a group of secondary charged particles generated from irradiation of said electron beam, a sample holder on which the sample is mounted, and a stage which moves said holder, wherein: the illumination optical system comprises: an illumination system separation unit which separates the electron beam into an electron beam for signal acquisition and an electron beam for surface charge control; and a unit to deflect said electron beam for signal acquisition and said electron beam for surface charge control to scan the sample, the detection optical system comprises: a detection system separation unit which separates a first group of secondary charged particles generated by irradiation of the electron beam for signal acquisition and a second secondary group of charged particles generated by irradiation of the electron beam for surface charge control; and a secondary charged particle detector which detects the first secondary charged particle; further, comprises a detected signal processing device which processes a signal detected by said secondary charged particle detector.