Patent ID: 6685847
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: C23C,G01N,H01J

Abstract:
A method of observing a cross-sectional structure of a sample, comprising the steps of:forming a covering layer of a material different from a substance of the sample surface on the sample surface in a region at which the cross-sectional structure is to be observed; forming a protective layer on the covering layer by spraying a gas towards the covering layer using a gas gun while irradiating the covering layer with a focused ion beam; irradiating the protective layer with a high-current focused ion beam to form a hole exposing a cross-section to be observed; irradiating the cross-section with a low current ion beam so as to polish the cross-section; and tilting the sample and scanning the cross-section to be observed with a focused ion beam so as to obtain a microscopic image of the cross-section.