Patent ID: 6465781
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method of inspecting or measuring a sample using a charged-particle beam image comprising:an inspecting or measuring step of scanning, while irradiating, a converged charged-particle beam on a sample at least partially covered with an insulation film, detecting charged-particles which are released from the sample due to the irradiation and scanning of the charged-particle beam, thereby producing a charged-particle image, and processing the produced charged-particle image, thereby performing either an inspection or measurement of a pattern formed on the sample by comparing the produced charged-particle image with an image stored in a memory; and a conduction rendering step of irradiating the sample with a UV light to energize electrons in the insulation film of the sample so as to make the insulation film conductive, thereby causing charges to flow out of the sample.