Patent ID: 6924481
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. A scanning microscope, comprising: means for generating and scanning an energized beam across a sample surface; a detector for detecting particles emitted by the sample in response to irradiation of the sample surface with the energized beam; a computer for generating an image on a display based on an output of the detector; automatic brightness control means for automatically controlling the brightness of an image displayed on the display based on information obtained from the overall image; means for designating an average brightness of a specific local region of the image; and means for suspending operation of the automatic brightness control means to control brightness of the overall image based on the average brightness of the specific local region so that when the specific local region of the sample is designated in a first image obtained using a relatively low magnification factor, a second image comprising an image of the specific local region may be displayed at a relatively high magnification factor to observe a detailed pattern of the specific local region.