Patent ID: 8421008
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A pattern inspection apparatus having an irradiation means which irradiates an electron beam onto a surface of a substrate on which a pattern is formed, a detection means which detects a signal generated from the substrate, an image means which images a signal detected by the detection means, a comparison means which compares both images imaged by the image means and inspections the substrate, comprising: a charge formation means to form charge on a surface of the substrate by generating an electron from a second electron source which is different from an electron source which generates the electron beam before irradiating the electron beam; a current measuring means to measure a value of a current flowing in the substrate while the charge is formed on a surface of the substrate by the charge formation means; and an adjustment means to adjust the charge formed by the charge formation means so that the value of the current measured by the current measuring means is a predetermined target value.