Patent ID: 8227753
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: selecting first and second locations of a sample; using a gas field ion source to generate a first ion beam; exposing the first location of the sample to the first ion beam; tuning the first ion beam relative to the sample at the first location of the sample without modifying or investigating the first location of the sample, the first ion beam having a first ion current at the sample; using the gas field ion source to generate a second ion beam; exposing the second location of the sample to the second ion beam, the second ion beam having a second ion current at the sample; and investigating and/or modifying the second location of the sample with the second ion beam, wherein the first location of the sample is different from the second location of the sample, and the first ion current is at least two times greater than the second ion current.