Patent ID: 6667476
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A scanning electron microscope, comprising:an electron source; an electrode for accelerating a primary electron beam emitted from said electron source; a condenser lens for condensing the primary electron beam which is accelerated by said electrode; a first detector for detecting electrons which are generated by irradiation of the primary electron beam condensed by said condenser lens onto a specimen; a first decelerating means for decelerating the primary electron beam with which the specimen is irradiated so that the primary electron beam with which the specimen is irradiated has an energy lower than that given to the primary electron beam by accelerating the primary electron beam with said electrode, and for accelerating the electrons generated from the specimen; a second decelerating means for establishing a negative potential field to decelerate the electrons generated from the specimen and accelerated by said first decelerating means so that the electrons have an energy lower than that of the electrons accelerated by said first decelerating means; a deflector for deflecting the electrons which exist in said negative potential field towards said first detector; and a second detector for detecting the electrons which are passed through said negative potential field.