Patent Publication Number: US-11391756-B2

Title: Probe module and probe

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In manufacturing a semiconductor device, a management technology of manufacturing process is important for improving product yields and throughputs. As an inspection device for process control, there is a device for directly contacting an examining instrument called a “probe” with a sample to evaluate electrical characteristics. 
     There is disclosed in JP-A-2002-217258 (PTL 1) a technique capable of improving the yield of semiconductor devices by measuring a large number of evaluation samples (Test Element Group; hereinafter, referred to as “TEG”) arranged in a scribe area of a semiconductor wafer. There is disclosed in JP-A-2005-189239 (PTL 2) a technology that includes a sample exchange chamber connected to a sample chamber and temporarily storing a sample and a transport unit that transports the sample between the sample exchange chamber and the sample chamber, and a probe image acquiring device provided in parallel with an electron optical system device, and that moves a sample stage and a probe unit in a horizontal direction between a vertical position of the probe image acquiring device and a vertical position of the electron optical system device. There is disclosed in JP-A-2013-187510 (PTL 3) a semiconductor inspection apparatus configured to include a charged particle optical system that irradiates a charged particle beam onto a sample wafer, a sample stage that freely moves in a sample chamber, a prober stage mounted with a prober provided with a probe needle and freely moved in a sample chamber, an image acquisition unit that acquires an optical image of the sample wafer, while moving the position of a prober, a charged particle image acquisition unit that, when scanning while irradiating a charged particle beam, acquires a charged particle image based on a detection signal of secondary charged particles emitted from the sample wafer, a current and voltage detection unit that detects a current or voltage obtained from the probe needle, and a control computer. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: JP-A-2002-217258 
     PTL 2: JP-A-2005-189239 
     PTL 3: JP-A-2013-187510 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     As a semiconductor device is miniaturized, a scribe area on a wafer also tends to decrease. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the size of a TEG arranged in the scribe area, and efficiently arrange an electrode pad for probe contact. Therefore, it is necessary to associate the probes with the efficient layout of the electrode pad. In the techniques disclosed in PTLs 1 to 3, each probe is independently mounted, and it takes time to control each probe to contact the electrode pad. 
     The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for associating the probes and the layout of the electrode pads of a TEG so as to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to the present invention, the above described problems can be solved by arranging a plurality of probes in a fan shape or manufacturing the probes with micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the present invention, the layout of the electrode pad of TEG can be associated with the probes to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. As a result, productivity in the front-end process of manufacturing a semiconductor device can be improved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a semiconductor wafer as an example of a sample. 
         FIG. 4A  is a view showing an example of an arrangement of electrode pads of a FET-TEG in a scribe area. 
         FIG. 4B  is a view showing an example of an arrangement of electrode pads of a minute FET-TEG in a scribe area. 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of an arrangement of a probe module. 
         FIG. 6A  is a view showing an example of an arrangement of electrode pads of a FET-TEG in a scribe area. 
         FIG. 6B  is a view showing a modification of the arrangement of electrode pads of the FET-TEG in the scribe area. 
         FIG. 6C  is a view showing a modification of the arrangement of electrode pads of the FET-TEG in the scribe area. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view schematically showing a probe module equipped with a MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic plan view of a probe module equipped with a MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a probe cartridge on a side opposite to a side facing a sample according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the probe cartridge on the side facing the sample according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the probe cartridge on the side facing the sample according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an overall perspective view of a MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a cantilever of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14C  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14D  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14E  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14F  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14G  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14H  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14I  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14J  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14K  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14L  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14M  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a cantilever of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the cantilever of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is an overall perspective view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of a MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27A  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27B  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27C  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27D  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27E  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27F  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27G  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27H  is a view provided to explain a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28A  is a schematic view showing a state in which a probe contacts an electrode pad of a TEG. 
         FIG. 28B  is a schematic view showing a state in which a probe contacts an electrode pad of a TEG. 
         FIG. 29A  is a view showing an example of the FET-TEG arrangement in a scribe area. 
         FIG. 29B  is a view showing an example of the FET-TEG arrangement in a scribe area. 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic view of an example of an electrode pad for checking the normality of each probe of a probe cartridge. 
         FIG. 31  shows an example of a flowchart of electrical characteristic evaluation using a probe cartridge. 
         FIG. 32A  is a view showing an example of measuring electric characteristics by irradiating a charged particle beam. 
         FIG. 32B  is a view showing an example of measuring electric characteristics without irradiating a charged particle beam. 
         FIG. 33  is a view showing an example of an absorption current image. 
         FIG. 34  is a view showing an example of a flow of a front-end process in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device. 
         FIG. 35  is a view showing an example of a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, the description will be made by dividing into a plurality of sections or embodiments, and unless otherwise specified, these are related to each other, and one is in relation to some or all of the other, such as modifications, details, supplementary explanations, and the like. In all the drawings for describing the following embodiments, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and repetitive description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of an electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus that can be used in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  includes, in a vacuum chamber, a scanning electron microscope (hereinafter, referred to as SEM) lens barrel  103 , a detector  104  that performs SEM observation, a sample stage  102  on which a sample  101  held on a sample holder  105  is mounted, a probe cartridge  106  to be in contact with the sample  101  to evaluate electric characteristic, a probe driving mechanism  107  that mounts and drives the probe cartridge  106 , a probe exchanger  110  that exchanges the probe cartridge  106 , a controller  108  that controls the SEM and the probe unit, a display device  109  that displays SEM images of the sample  101  and the probe cartridge  106 , and a sample chamber  113 . 
     The SEM lens barrel  103  includes an electron gun, a condenser lens, a movable stop, a deflector, and an objective lens. The electron gun includes an electron source for generating a primary electron beam, and the electron source may be of any type such as a filament method, a Schottky method, and a field emission method. The deflector is used to deflect the primary electron beam to scan the sample  101 , and a magnetic field deflection type or an electrostatic deflection type is used. Generally, for the objective lens of the SEM lens barrel  103 , a magnetic field lens using the converging action of electrons by magnetic field is used. The detector  104  may be mounted outside the SEM lens barrel  103  as shown in  FIG. 1  or may be mounted inside the SEM lens barrel  103 . 
     The sample stage  102  is driven by a motor, in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, and additionally, it is tilted, or rotated around the Z axis. Note that the X axis and the Y axis represent the horizontal direction, and the Z axis represents the direction orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis. The probe driving mechanism  107  uses a piezoelectric element, and can drive the probe  106  at nano-order in the X, Y, and Z axis directions. 
     The probe exchanger  110  includes a spare probe cartridge  112  and a probe exchange mechanism  111 . The probe exchanger  110  is connected to a preliminary exhaust system, and enables exchange of the probe cartridge  106  with the probe cartridge  112  without returning the sample chamber  113 , which is a vacuum chamber, to the atmosphere. A plurality of spare probe cartridges  112  are mounted on the probe exchanger  110  in advance, and the exchange mechanism is automatically controlled, so that it is possible to automate the exchange of probe cartridges when evaluating the electrical characteristics of the semiconductor elements and wiring. 
     The controller  108  includes a charged particle image acquisition unit  114   a , a current and voltage detection unit  114   b , a current and voltage image acquisition unit  114   c , and a control computer  114   d . As the sample  101  is irradiated during scanning of the electron beam from the SEM lens barrel  103  as a charged particle beam, the charged particle image acquisition unit  114   a  acquires a detection signal by the detector  104  of the secondary charged particles emitted from the sample  101 , and generates and acquires a charged particle image of the sample  101  based on the acquired detection signal of the secondary charged particles and a control signal for scanning the electron beam as the charged particle beam. In the present embodiment, since the charged particle beam is the electron beam, the charged particle image acquired in such manner is called an SEM image. 
     The current and voltage detection unit  114   b  includes a current and voltage detection circuit, a current and voltage source circuit, and the like, and is electrically connected to each of the probes of the probe cartridge  106  in the sample chamber  113 . That is, the current and voltage detection unit  114   b  acquires a value of the current or voltage detected by each probe of the probe cartridge  106  and supplies the current or a voltage to each probe of the probe cartridge  106  as needed when each probe of the probe cartridge  106  comes into contact with an electrode pad or a wiring formed on the sample  101 . 
     As the sample  101  is irradiated during scanning of the electron beam from the SEM lens barrel  103  as the charged particle beam, the current and voltage image acquisition unit  114   c  acquires a current or voltage signal obtained from each probe by the current and voltage detection unit  114   b , and generates and acquires a current and voltage image of the sample  101  based on the acquired current or voltage signal and the control signal for scanning the charged particle beam. 
     The control computer  114   d  includes an input device and a storage device (not shown). The control computer  114   d  is connected to the sample stage  102 , the SEM lens barrel  103 , the detector  104 , the probe driving mechanism  107 , the probe exchanger  110 , the charged particle image acquisition unit  114   a , the current and voltage detection unit  114   b , the current and voltage image acquisition unit  114   c , the display device  109 , and the like, to control the same collectively. The control computer  114   d  acquires the SEM image, which is a charged particle image acquired by the charged particle image acquisition unit  114   a , the current and voltage image acquired by the current and voltage image acquisition unit  114   c , and the data of the current and voltage acquired by the current and voltage detection unit  114   b , respectively, and displays the result on the display device  109 . 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a probe module  201  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The probe module  201  includes a tungsten probe  120 , a probe holder  121  for holding the tungsten probe  120 , and a probe driving mechanism  122 . The combination of the tungsten probe  120  and the probe holder  121  corresponds to the probe cartridge  106  in  FIG. 1 . The probe driving mechanism  122  corresponds to the probe driving mechanism  107  in  FIG. 1 . The tungsten probe  120  is in such a shape that is sharper toward the tip, with the curvature of the tip being on the order of nanometers. In the present embodiment, the material of the tungsten probe  120  is tungsten, although, in addition to using tungsten for the material of the probe itself, a probe coated with tungsten may also be used. For a material of the probe  120 , a rhenium-tungsten alloy which is a tungsten-based alloy may also be used. A rhenium tungsten alloy is used for the material of the probe  120 , so that high strength may be obtained, and a thinner and long-life probe may be obtained. For a material other than tungsten, another material compatible with the manufacturing process of the sample  101  can be used for the material of the probe itself or for coating of the probe. For example, titanium or platinum may be used for coating of the probe. Here, in order to make the probe compatible with the manufacturing process of the sample  101 , for example, a material similar to one of the materials used in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  is used for manufacturing the probe. Examples of the materials used in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor wafer include copper, titanium, tungsten, platinum, aluminum, and the like. For the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device, as shown in  FIG. 35 , by adding the step of forming an electrode pad of the TEG in the scribe area of the semiconductor wafer in step S 3501  and the step of inspecting using a probe made of the same material as one of the materials used in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor wafer in the subsequent step S 3502 , the probe may be made compatible with the manufacturing process of the sample  101 . The material of the tip of the probe and the electrode pad of the sample  101  to which the tip of the probe is brought into contact may be made of the same material, so that, when the tip of the probe is brought into contact for inspection, the affinity between the tip of the probe and the material exposed on the surface of the sample  101 , which are of the same type of material, can be further increased. For example, the material of the tip of the probe and the material of the electrode pad of the sample  101  may be tungsten. Thereby, the contamination of the surface of the sample  101  due to the contact with the probe may be further prevented. It is desirable that the exterior of the probe holder  121  and the probe driving mechanism  107  be made conductive by using a conductive material to not be charged even when hit with the charged particles originating from the electron microscope. 
       FIG. 3  shows a schematic view showing a semiconductor wafer  130  which is an example of the sample  101 . The semiconductor wafer  130  includes a pattern  131  corresponding to a chip including a transistor, a circuit, and the like, and a scribe area  132  that is a gap between the patterns. The TEG for inspection purpose, which is to check whether or not the chip has a defect, is arranged in the scribe area  132 . 
       FIG. 4( a )  shows an example of a field effect transistor (hereinafter, referred to as an FET)-TEG that is arranged on the scribe area  132 . In the case of the FET-TEG, an electrode pad  141  for a substrate, an electrode pad  142  for a gate, an electrode pad  143  for a drain, and an electrode pad  144  for a source are arranged around the FET  140 . For the circuit pattern  145  from the FET  140  to each electrode pad, a material having high electric conductivity such as gold or copper is used. The width of the scribe area  132  is about 100 μm, and each electrode pad of the TEG is arranged within a width equal to or less than the width of the scribe area  132 . 
       FIG. 4( b )  shows a plurality of minute FET-TEGs arranged on the scribe area  132 , which are smaller compared to that of  FIG. 4( a ) . The minute FET-TEG has minute electrode pads arranged on a flat surface. Since these are much smaller than the electrodes of  FIG. 4( a ) , they may be arranged in large numbers on the scribe area  132 . While the size of each of the electrode pads  141  to  144  may be reduced to several to several tens of nanometers, which is about the same as the tip of the tungsten probe  120 , it is desirable that the size be determined in consideration of contact resistance and contact position accuracy. 
       FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of performing evaluation of the electrical characteristics of the TEG in the scribe area  132  using the probe module  201  of  FIG. 2 . The probe modules  201  are mounted on a probe module support base  150  in a fan shape, and are arranged so that the tips of the tungsten probes  106  are close to each other. The probe modules  201  are mounted on the probe module support base  150  in a fan shape so that the four tungsten probes  120  may be arranged in a fan shape and the tips of the four tungsten probes  120  may be brought close to each other, thereby enabling the arrangement of the electrode pads of TEG at a high density. The probe module support  150  is mounted on a rail  151 . Basically, the relative position of the tip of each tungsten probe  120  to the measurement position is moved by moving the sample  101  by the sample stage  102 . This is to prevent dust generated from the driving part from falling on the semiconductor wafer that serves as the sample  101 , but it is also possible to install a dust receiver between the semiconductor wafer serving as the sample  101  and the probe module support  150 , to move the probe module support  150  while preventing dust. 
       FIG. 6( a )  is a view showing an example of the arrangement of electrode pads of the TEG corresponding to the fan-shaped probe module arrangement shown in  FIG. 5 . Since the TEG substrate electrode pad  141 , the gate electrode pad  142 , the drain electrode pad  143 , and the source electrode pad  144  are arranged in a U-shape, the arrangement of electrode pads of the TEG shown in  FIG. 6( a )  is suitable for measurement in which the tips of the tungsten probes  120  of the probe modules arranged in the fan shape shown in  FIG. 5  are arranged closely in the fan shape as shown in  FIG. 6( a ) . As a result, the tips of the tungsten probes  120  may be brought close to each other, and the electrode pads of the TEG may be arranged at a high density. The contact between the tips of each tungsten probe  120  and the corresponding electrode pad can be detected by detecting a bend due to the contact of each tungsten probe  120  with the corresponding electrode pad by SEM observation using the SEM lens barrel  103  and the detector  104 .  FIGS. 6B and 6C  show modifications of the arrangement of the electrode pads shown in  FIG. 6( a ) , respectively. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an embodiment of using a probe manufactured by a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology (hereinafter, referred to as a MEMS probe), instead of the tungsten probe  120  described in the first embodiment, will be described. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views showing a probe module  701  according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 7( a )  is a perspective view of the probe module  701 , and  FIG. 7( b )  is a plan view of the probe module  701  on a side opposite to a side facing the sample  101 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the probe module  701  includes a probe driving mechanism  702 , a MEMS probe  901  described below, and a probe holder  703  holding the MEMS probe  901 . The MEMS probe  901  and the probe holder  703  correspond to the probe cartridge  106  in  FIG. 1 , and the probe driving mechanism  702  corresponds to the probe driving mechanism  107  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The probe driving mechanism  702  includes a cartridge holder  704  for mounting the probe cartridge. The probe driving mechanism  702  includes electrodes for electrically connecting to the probe cartridge, and may easily be electrically connected when the probe cartridge is replaced. 
       FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C  are schematic views showing the probe cartridge  801  according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 8( a )  is a perspective view of the probe cartridge  801  on a side opposite to the side facing the sample  101 .  FIG. 8( b )  and  FIG. 8( c )  are perspective views of the probe cartridge  801  on the side facing the sample  101 . 
     As described above, the probe cartridge  801  includes the MEMS probe  901  and the probe holder  703  for holding the MEMS probe  901 . The probe holder  703  is electrically connected to the MEMS probe  901  and includes a wiring pattern on a surface on the sample side. For electrical connection between each probe of the MEMS probe  901  and the corresponding wiring of the holder  703 , wire bonding may be used, for example. The wirings  802   a ,  802   b ,  802   c ,  802   d ,  802   e , and  802   f  shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8C  are electrically connected to the corresponding MEMS probes  901 , respectively. The wirings  802   a ,  802   b ,  802   c ,  802   d ,  802   e , and  802   f  are connected to the electrodes  803   a ,  803   b ,  803   c ,  803   d ,  803   e , and  803   f , respectively. In the present embodiment, while there are four probes as the probes for the evaluation of the transistors, six wirings are prepared, and this will be described below. 
     The probe holder  703  includes a wiring  804  and an electrode  805  connected to the wiring  804 . The wiring  804  is connected to a conductor layer provided on a side opposite to a side of the MEMS probe  901  that faces the sample, and this will be described below. Thus, charge-up of the MEMS probe  901  during SEM observation may be prevented. The wiring  804  and the MEMS probe  901  may be electrically connected when joining the MEMS probe  901  and the holder  703  by soldering, for example. 
     As described above, since the probe cartridge  801  includes the electrodes  803   a  to  803   f  and the electrode  805  that are electrically connected when mounted on the probe driving mechanism  107 , when a defect such as wear or breakage occurs in the probe during the evaluation of the electrical characteristics, it is possible to replace the probe with a new probe with ease by replacing the probe cartridge  801 . 
     Hereinafter, the MEMS probe  901  will be described.  FIG. 9  is an overall perspective view of a probe according to the present embodiment, that is, of the MEMS probe  901 .  FIG. 9  is illustrated with the probe side facing upward for clarity. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the MEMS probe  901  includes a cantilever  902  and a main body  903  that supports the cantilever  902 . The main body  903  includes a silicon support substrate  904 , a buried oxide film  905 , and a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate having a laminated structure of a silicon layer  906 . Electrodes  907   a ,  907   b ,  907   c ,  907   d ,  907   e , and  907   f  are formed on the silicon layer  906  of the main body  903 . The electrodes  907   a  to  907   f  are tungsten electrodes, for example. The electrode  907   a  is connected to the wiring  802   a  of the probe holder  703 , the electrode  907   b  is connected to the wiring  802   b  of the probe holder  703 , the electrode  907   c  is connected to the wiring  802   c  of the probe holder  703 , the electrode  907   d  is connected to the wiring  802   d  of the probe holder  703 , the electrode  907   e  is connected to the wiring  802   e  of the probe holder  703 , and the electrode  907   f  is connected to the wiring  802   f  of the probe holder  703 , by wire bonding, for example. 
       FIG. 10  shows an enlarged view of the cantilever  902 . On the cantilever  902 , probes  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c , and  1001   d  are formed. A conductor layer  1002  is formed on a surface opposite to the surface of the cantilever  902  and the main body  903  on which the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  are formed. The conductor layer  1002  is a tungsten layer, for example. The conductor layer  1002  is electrically connected to the sample holder  105  and prevents charge-up of the MEMS probe  901  by irradiation of an electron beam from the SEM lens barrel  103 . 
     The probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 , which is a plan view of the MEMS probe  901 . The probe  1001   a  includes electrode surfaces  1101   a  and  1101   b . The electrode surfaces  1101   a  and  1101   b  are formed of tungsten, for example. The electrode surface  1101   a  is electrically connected to the wiring  1102   a . The wiring  1102   a  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   a . The electrode surface  1101   b  is electrically connected to the wiring  1102   b . The wiring  1102   b  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   b . The wiring  1102   a  and the wiring  1102   b  are formed of tungsten, for example. The electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  is electrically connected to the wiring  1103 . The wiring  1103  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   c . The electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  and the wiring  1103  are formed of tungsten, for example. The electrode surface of the probe  1001   c  is connected to the wiring  1104 . The wiring  1104  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   d . The electrode surface of the probe  1001   c  and the wiring  1104  are formed of tungsten, for example. The probe  1001   d  includes electrode surfaces  1105   a  and  1105   b . The electrode surfaces  1105   a  and  1105   b  are formed of tungsten, for example. The electrode surface  1105   a  is electrically connected to the wiring  1106   a . The wiring  1106   a  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   e . The electrode surface  1105   b  is electrically connected to the wiring  1106   b . The wiring  1106   b  is electrically connected to the electrode  907   f . The wiring  1106   a  and the wiring  1106   b  are formed of tungsten, for example. In the present embodiment, tungsten is used as the material of the electrode surfaces of the sample  101  to be brought into contact with the electrode pad, but materials other than tungsten that are compatible with the sample  101  may also be used as the material. In the present embodiment, each electrode surface provided on the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  corresponds to the tip of the tungsten probe  120  according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tips of the probes are the electrode surfaces provided on the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d.    
     When brought into contact with the electrode pad, the probe  1001   a  serves as a contact sensor for the electrode pad by detecting a conduction state between the electrode surfaces  1101   a  and  1101   b . When brought into contact with the electrode pad, the probe  1001   d  serves as a contact sensor for the electrode pad by detecting a conduction state between the electrode surfaces  1105   a  and  1105   b.    
       FIGS. 28A and 28B  are schematic views showing a state in which the probe  1001   d  is in contact with the electrode pad  2801  of the TEG.  FIG. 28( a )  is a schematic view showing the state of contact when viewed from the side of the cantilever  902 , and  FIG. 28( b )  is a view showing the state of contact when viewed from the direction of an arrow  2802  in  FIG. 28( a ) . As shown in  FIG. 28( a ) , the electrode surface  1105   b  of the probe  1001   d  is parallel to the electrode pad  2801  while being in contact therewith. It may be detected whether the electrode surface  1105   a  and the electrode surface  1105   b  are in contact with the electrode pad  2801  by detecting a conduction state therebetween. The contact intensity of the probe with the electrode pad may be ensured by confirming that the contact resistance of each probe is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The probe  1001   a  and the probe  1001   d  each serve as a contact sensor, so that the inclination of the surface of the sample  101  may be adjusted by the sample stage  102  to have the probe rows of the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  parallel with the wafer surface to be inspected, and the stable inspection may be performed. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe  901  taken along a broken line between A-A′ in  FIG. 11 . As described above, the main body  903  includes the silicon support substrate  904 , the buried oxide film  905 , and the SOI substrate of the silicon layer  906 . The thickness of the main body  903  is adjusted mainly by the thickness of the silicon support substrate  904 . As described above, the conductor layer  1002  is on a surface opposite to the surface of the cantilever  902  and the main body  903  on which the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  are formed. The electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  is inclined with respect to the cantilever  902  such that the electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  is parallel to the electrode pad while being in contact therewith. The electrode surfaces of the probes  1001   a ,  1001   c  and  1001   d  are also inclined with respect to the cantilever  902  in the same manner as the probe  1001   b . The probe  1001   b  is electrically connected to the wiring  1103 . 
     A method for manufacturing the MEMS probe  901  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14M .  FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe  901 .  FIGS. 14A to 14M  are cross-sectional views taken along a broken line between A-A′ in  FIG. 11  and are views showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe  901 . 
     In step S 1301  of  FIG. 13 , as shown in  FIG. 14( a ) , a silicon oxide film  1201  and a silicon oxide film  1401  are provided, by thermal oxidation, on both surfaces of the SOI substrate having the silicon support substrate  904 , the buried oxide film  905 , and the silicon layer  906 , and a photoresist film  1402  is further provided on the silicon oxide film  1401 . Next, in step S 1302 , as shown in  FIG. 14( b ) , the silicon oxide film  1401  is patterned using the photoresist film  1402  as a mask. 
     Next, in step S 1303 , using the silicon oxide film  1401  patterned in S 1302  as a mask, the silicon layer  906  is etched by reactive ion etching or wet etching, so that a protrusion  1403  is formed as shown in  FIG. 14( c ) .  FIG. 14( c )  shows the protrusion  1403  that corresponds to the probe  1001   b . The protrusions corresponding to each of the probes  1001   a ,  1001   c , and  1001   d  are also formed in step S 1303 , in the same manner as the protrusion  1403 . Next, in step S 1304 , as shown in  FIG. 14( d ) , the silicon oxide film  1401  patterned in S 1302  is removed using buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF). 
     Next, in step S 1305 , the wiring  1103  is formed as shown in  FIG. 14( e ) . Specifically, the wiring  1103  is formed by patterning the tungsten layer with a photoresist. In step S 1305 , the wirings  1102   a ,  1102   b ,  1104 ,  1106   a  and  1106   b , and the electrodes  907   a  to  907   f  are also formed in the same manner as the wiring  1103 . Next, in step S 1306 , patterning of the cantilever  902  is performed. The patterning of the cantilever  902  is performed by photolithography, for example. 
     Next, in step S 1307 , the silicon oxide film  1201  is etched to form a mask for forming the main body  903 , as shown in  FIG. 14( f ) . Next, in step S 1308 , in order to protect the cantilever  902 , a photoresist film  1404  is formed on the cantilever  902  side as shown in  FIG. 14( g ) . 
     Next, in step S 1309 , the main body  903  is formed by etching the silicon support substrate  904  by wet etching using the mask formed in step S 1307 , as shown in  FIG. 14( h ) . Next, in step S 1310 , the buried oxide film  905  excluding the main body  903  and the silicon oxide film  1201  are removed by etching with buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF), as shown in  FIG. 14( i ) . 
     Next, in step S 1311 , as shown in  FIG. 14( j ) , the conductor layer  1002  is formed on a surface opposite to the surface of the cantilever  902  and the main body  903  on which the probes  1001   a  to  1001   d  are formed. Next, in step S 1312 , as shown in  FIG. 14( k ) , the photoresist film  1404  formed in step S 1308  is removed. 
     Next, in step S 1313 , a portion of the protrusion  1403  is cut off by the focused ion beam (FIB), so that a surface  1405  inclined to the cantilever  902  is provided on the projection  1404  as shown in  FIG. 14( l ) . The protrusions corresponding to each of the probes  1001   a ,  1001   c , and  1001   d  are also partially cut off in step S 1313  in the same manner as the protrusion  1403 . Next, in step S 1314 , tungsten is deposited by chemical vapor deposition using focused ion beam (FIB-CVD), so that an electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  electrically connected to the wiring  1103  is formed as shown in  FIG. 14( m ) . Here, as described above, the angle of inclination is set such that the electrode surface of the probe  1001   b  is parallel to the electrode pad of TEG while being in contact with the electrode pad of the TEG. Also for the probes  1001   a ,  1001   c  and  1001   d , the respective electrode surfaces shown in  FIG. 11  are formed in the same manner as the probe  1001   b.    
     As described above, the MEMS probe  901  according to the present embodiment may be manufactured. In the present embodiment, since the MEMS probe  901  is manufactured by manufacturing the device using the MEMS technology, manufacturing with good reproducibility is possible. 
       FIG. 15  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the area hidden by the cantilever in SEM observation using the SEM lens barrel  103  and the detector  104  can be reduced by cutting off, with FIB, a portion of the area  1501  of the cantilever  902  that is surrounded by the broken line. 
       FIG. 16  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 16 , with FIB, by cutting off the portion of the area  1601  of the cantilever  902  surrounded by the broken line and making a cut between the probes, it is possible to bring each probe reliably into contact with the electrode pad by bending the cantilever of each probe even when the height of the electrode pad is different. In the MEMS probe of  FIG. 16 , all of the four probes are provided with the two electrodes, to make it possible to detect the contact of each probe with the electrode pad. 
       FIG. 17  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the MEMS probe shown in  FIG. 17 , a number of probes is eight so that the inspection of the inverter is facilitated. 
       FIG. 18  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the MEMS probe shown in  FIG. 18 , a distance between B-B′, that is, the interval between two probes is several mm so that the wiring inspection may be facilitated. The evaluation of the wiring pattern may be performed by drawing an absorption current image (including an absorption voltage image) based on the absorption current flowing into the probe when an electron beam, which is a charged particle beam, is irradiated onto the wiring from the SEM lens barrel  103  with the probe in contact with one end of the wiring. Therefore, the distance between the probes is required to be several mm at the maximum. It is possible to cope with wiring patterns of various widths by manufacturing the MEMS probe by changing the distance between the probes. 
       FIG. 19  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the MEMS probe shown in  FIG. 19 , the probes  1004   a  to  1004   d  are formed on a common protrusion. Thus, the intervals between the probes  1004   a  to  1004   d  may be easily narrowed, and inspection may be performed even when the pitch of the arrangement of the electrode pads is short. The intervals between the probes  1004   a  to  1004   d  may be about several hundred nm to several tens of microns, for example. 
       FIG. 20  shows an enlarged view of a cantilever of a MEMS probe according to a modification of the present embodiment.  FIG. 21  shows a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe, along the cross section through the probe  1001   c  and the wiring connected to the probe  1001   c  in  FIG. 20 . In the MEMS probe shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , an area  2001  ion-implanted with boron is provided in the silicon layer  906  of the cantilever  902  to form a piezoresistive element, so that the bending of the cantilever  902  caused by contact with the sample may be detected. Therefore, contact of the probe with the sample may be detected by a change in the resistance of the piezoresistive element. At this time, vibration may be applied to the cantilever  902 , so that contact may be detected by a change in the resonance frequency due to the contact. 
     With the provision of the area  2001  ion-implanted with boron, an insulator layer  2002  for insulating the area  2001  ion-implanted with boron and the wiring connected to the probe  1001   c , and an insulator layer  2003  for insulating the ion-implanted area  2001  and the conductor layer  1002  are additionally provided. The insulator layers  2002  and  2003  may be formed using a silicon oxide film formed by sputter-deposition, for example. In order to read the change in the resistance of the piezoresistive element, openings  2004   a  and  2004   b  are provided in the insulator layer  2002 , and the wirings  2005   a  and  2005   b  are connected to the area  2001  ion-implanted with boron as shown in  FIG. 20 . In the manufacturing method, after step S 1304  shown in  FIG. 13 , a process of forming the area  2001  ion-implanted with boron is added, and subsequently, a process of forming the insulator layer  2002  provided with the openings  2004   a  and  2004   b  is added. After step S 1310 , a process of providing the insulator layer  2003  is added. 
     When the contact sensor is realized by the piezoresistive element, the method as shown in  FIG. 11 , in which one probe is provided with two electrode surfaces and a contact with the pad is detected from a conduction state between the electrode surfaces, may be employed in combination. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect the contact of the probe with the sample. 
     Third Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, another embodiment of the MEMS probe attached to the probe holder  703  will be described. 
       FIG. 22  is an overall perspective view of a probe according to the present embodiment, that is, of a MEMS probe  2201 .  FIG. 22  is illustrated with the probe side facing upward for clarity. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the MEMS probe  2201  has metal probes  2202   a ,  2202   b ,  2202   c  and  2202   d , and a main body  2203  that supports the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d.    
     The main body  2203  includes a silicon substrate  2204  and a silicon oxide film  2205 . Electrodes  2206   a ,  2206   b ,  2206   c  and  2206   d  are formed on the silicon oxide film  2205  of the main body  2203 . The electrodes  2206   a  to  2206   d  are tungsten electrodes, for example. The electrodes  2206   a  to  2206   d  are respectively connected to four of the wirings  802   a  to  802   f  of the probe holder  703  by wire bonding, for example. 
       FIG. 23  is a plan view of an area in the vicinity of the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  of the MEMS probe  2201 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are formed such that tips thereof are close to each other. As described above, the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are arranged in a fan shape. The tips of the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are brought into contact with the electrode pads of the TEG. The metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are formed of tungsten, for example. In the present embodiment, tungsten is used as the material of the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  to be brought into contact with the electrode pads of the sample  101 , but materials other than tungsten that are compatible with the sample  101  may also be used as a material. 
     The metal probe  2202   a  is electrically connected to the wiring  2301   a . The wiring  2301   a  is electrically connected to the electrode  2206   a . The metal probe  2202   b  is electrically connected to the wiring  2301   b . The wiring  2301   b  is electrically connected to the electrode  2206   b . The metal probe  2202   c  is electrically connected to the wiring  2301   c . The wiring  2301   c  is electrically connected to the electrode  2206   c . The metal probe  2202   d  is electrically connected to the wiring  2301   d . The wiring  2301   d  is electrically connected to the electrode  2206   d . The wirings  2301   a  to  2301   d  are formed of tungsten, for example. 
       FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS probe  2201  taken along a broken line between C-C′ in  FIG. 23 . In the MEMS probe  2201 , the silicon oxide film  2205  is formed on the silicon substrate  2204  as described above. Formed on the silicon oxide film  2205  as the insulation layer is the wiring  2301   b , and a metal probe  2202   b  that extends from the wiring  2301   b . The wiring  2301   a , the metal probe  2202   a , the wiring  2301   c , the metal probe  2202   c , the wiring  2301   d , and the metal probe  2202   d  are formed in the same manner as the wiring  2301   b  and the metal probe  2202   b . A conductor layer  2401  is formed on a surface opposite to the surface of the main body  2203  on which the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are formed. The conductor layer  2401  is a tungsten layer, for example. The conductor layer  2401  is separated from the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  to not be electrically connected. 
       FIG. 25  shows an enlarged view of an encircled portion  2402  indicated by a broken line shown in  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the silicon oxide film  2205  is at a recessed position from an edge of the silicon substrate  2204 . As described below, when the conductor layer  2401  is formed by sputter-deposition or the like, the conductor layer  2401  is separated from the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  and the wirings  2301   a  to  2301   d  by the recessed structure of the silicon oxide film  2205 . The conductor layer  2401  is a tungsten layer, for example. The conductor layer  2401  is electrically connected to the sample holder  105 , and prevents charge-up of the MEMS probe  2201  due to irradiation of an electron beam from the SEM lens barrel  103 . Although omitted in  FIG. 24 , as shown in  FIG. 25 , when the conductor layer  2401  is formed, a conductor layer  2501  is formed on a side of the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  opposite to the surface in contact with the electrode pad of the TEG. 
     A method for manufacturing the MEMS probe  2201  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27A to 27H .  FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe  2201 .  FIGS. 27A to 27H  are cross-sectional views taken along a broken line between C-C′ in  FIG. 23  and are views showing a process of manufacturing the MEMS probe  2201 . 
     In step S 2601  of  FIG. 26 , as shown in  FIG. 27( a ) , a silicon oxide film  2205  is provided on one surface of a silicon substrate  2204 , and a silicon oxide film  2701  is provided on the other surface thereof by thermal oxidation. 
     Next, in step S 2602 , the surface of the silicon oxide film  2205  is sputter-etched using argon gas or the like, or impurity ions are ion-implanted into the surface of the silicon oxide film  2205 , so that a modified layer is introduced on the surface of the silicon oxide film  2205 . Thus, when a metal layer is formed on the silicon oxide film  2205  described below, a high-quality metal layer may be formed, and high-quality metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  may be obtained. 
     Next, in step S 2603 , a metal layer is formed and patterned on the silicon oxide film  2205  to form metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d , wirings  2301   a  to  2301   d , and electrodes  2206   a  to  2206   d , as shown in  FIG. 27( b ) . The metal layer may be formed by sputter-deposition of tungsten, for example. At this time, when the modified layer is introduced in step S 2602 , the surface of the silicon oxide film  2205  is in such a surface state that has the presence of the atomic bonding, where it is expected that the tungsten nuclei having a body-centered cubic structure are formed, followed by the formation of a tungsten layer having a body-centered cubic structure. As a result, large crystal grains of tungsten having the body-centered cubic structure are formed, and the segregation of foreign matter at the grain boundary is reduced, which may result in a high-quality tungsten layer. 
     Next, in step S 2604 , the silicon oxide film  2701  is etched to form a mask for forming the main body  2203 , as shown in  FIG. 27( c ) . Next, in step S 2605 , as shown in  FIG. 27( d ) , a photoresist film  2702  is formed on the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  to protect the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d . Next, in step S 2606 , the main body  2203  is formed by etching the silicon substrate  2204  by wet etching using the mask formed in step S 2604 , as shown in  FIG. 27( e ) . 
     Next, in step S 2607 , as shown in  FIG. 27( f ) , the silicon oxide film  2205  except for contact portions with the main body  2203  and the silicon oxide film  2701  are etched and removed using buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF). At the time of etching the silicon oxide film  2205  in step S 2607 , as shown in  FIG. 25 , the etching is performed such that the silicon oxide film  2205  is formed at a position recessed from the edge of the silicon substrate  2204 . 
     Next, in step S 2608 , as shown in  FIG. 27( g ) , the conductor layer  2401  is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  are formed. The conductor layer  2401  may be formed by sputter-deposition of tungsten, for example. The thickness of the conductor layer  2401  is smaller than the thickness of the silicon oxide film  2205 . When the conductor layer  2401  is formed by sputter-deposition or the like, the silicon oxide film  2205  is not deposited on the portion recessed from the edge of the silicon substrate  2204 , so that the conductor layer  2401  is electrically separated from the metal probes  2202   a  to  2202   d  and the wirings  2301   a  to  2301   d . Next, in step S 2609 , as shown in  FIG. 27( h ) , the photoresist film  2702  formed in step S 2605  is removed. 
     As described above, the MEMS probe  2201  according to the present embodiment may be manufactured. In the present embodiment, since the MEMS probe  2201  is manufactured by manufacturing the device using the MEMS technology, manufacturing with good reproducibility is possible. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an example of a layout of the FET-TEG corresponding to an array of the probes according to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to  FIGS. 29A and 29B . 
     In the example of the layout of the FET-TEG shown in  FIG. 29( a ) , the electrode pads of the FET-TEG are arranged in a direction along each of the scribe areas  132  including the scribe area  132  in an X direction extending in the horizontal direction and the scribe area  132  in a Y direction extending in the vertical direction. For example, an electrode pad group  2901   a  of the FET-TEG in the scribe area  132  in the X direction and an electrode pad group  2901   b  of the FET-TEG in the scribe area  132  in the Y direction are laid out in directions orthogonal to each other. 
     In  FIG. 29( b ) , the electrode pads of the FET-TEG are all arranged along the scribe area  132  in the X direction extending in the horizontal direction. For example, the electrode pad group  2901   c  of the FET-TEG in the scribe area  132  in the X direction and the electrode pad group  2901   d  of the FET-TEG in the scribe area  132  in the Y direction extending in the vertical direction are laid out in the same direction. Note that, in  FIG. 29( b ) , although one FET-TEG is arranged along the width of the scribe area in the Y direction, a plurality of FET-TEGs may be arranged along the width of the scribe area in the Y direction when finer electrode pads are used. Since all the electrode pads of the FET-TEG shown in  FIG. 29( b )  are arranged in the same direction, the FET-TEG of the scribe areas  132  in the X and Y directions may be continuously evaluated without changing the direction of the probe cartridge  106  with respect to the sample  101 . As a result, the semiconductor device may be manufactured efficiently. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an example of inspection of each probe of the probe cartridge  106  according to the first to third embodiments will be described.  FIG. 30  shows a schematic view of electrode pads  3001  for checking the normality of each probe of the probe cartridge  106 . The electrode pads  3001  for checking the normality of the probe are arranged in the scribe area  132  and arranged according to the position of the tip of each probe. The electrode pads  3001  is electrically connected by a wiring  3002 . The normality of each probe of the probe cartridge  106  is realized by measuring a current value flowing through another probe when a voltage is applied to any one of the probes in a state in which each probe is brought into contact with each electrode pad  3001 . Confirming the normality of the probe according to the present embodiment is to confirm whether there is any abnormality of each probe or mounting failure of the probe cartridge  106  prior to the evaluation of the electrical characteristics of the TEG. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an example of a flow of electrical characteristic evaluation using the probe cartridges  106  according to the first to third embodiments will be described.  FIG. 31  shows an example of a flowchart of the electrical characteristic evaluation using the probe cartridge  106 . 
     Hereinafter, the evaluation procedure will be described. First, in step S 3101 , the probe exchanger  110  attaches the probe cartridge  106  to the probe driving mechanism  107  or replaces the probe cartridge  106 . The attachment or replacement of the probe cartridge  106  is performed with the probe driving mechanism  107  moved to the probe cartridge replacement position. 
     Next, in step S 3102 , it is checked whether the probe cartridge  106  is properly attached, and it is determined whether the probe cartridge  106  may be measured. The determination as to whether the probe cartridge  106  is normally attached is performed by a sensor for confirming contact with the probe cartridge  106  installed in the probe driving mechanism  107 . When the attachment of the probe cartridge  106  is abnormal, the process returns to step S 3101 , and the probe cartridge  106  is replaced. 
     When it is normal, in step S 3103 , the probe driving mechanism  107  is moved from the replacement position to the measurement position, and then the sample stage  102  is moved so that the tip of the probe enters the scribe area  132  where the TEG for evaluating the electrical characteristics is located. 
     Subsequently, in step S 3104 , each attached probe is brought into contact with the electrode pad  3001  for checking the normality of the probe, and the state of the probe is checked. At this time, the contact of each probe with the electrode pad  3001  may be performed by moving the sample stage  102  or coarsely moving the probe driving mechanism  107  to bring the electrode pad  3001  and each probe closer to some extent, and then finely moving the probe driving mechanism  107 . Examples of the method of confirming contact between the tip of the probe and the electrode pad includes a method of confirming a change in shape of each probe with an SEM image, a method of sensing the change with a contact sensor attached to each probe, or a method of determining with the weak current flowing through each probe at the time of contact, and any of these may be used. As a result of the normality check, when there is a problem with the probe, the process returns to step S 3101  to replace the probe cartridge  106 . 
     When the probe is normal, the process proceeds to step S 3105 , and the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  causes the attached probe to contact each electrode pad of the TEG in the scribe area  132  to evaluate the TEG. Also in step S 3105 , the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  causes each probe to contact the electrode pad of the TEG in the same manner as the method of contacting the electrode pad  3001  for contact confirmation. After the contact is confirmed, the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  evaluates the electrical characteristics of the element. When the electrical characteristic evaluation is completed, the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  10  retracts the probe from the contact with the electrode pad by the probe driving mechanism  107 , and moves to the next measurement position. When the next measurement position is far from the previous measurement position, the sample stage  102  needs to be moved, while when the measurement position is close, the next measurement may be performed by moving the probe  106  by the probe driving mechanism  107 . 
     Subsequently, in step S 3106 , the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  waits for an input from an operator as to whether or not to end the measurement. When it is selected not to end, the process returns to step S 3103 . 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an example of the sample holder  105  will be described. It is necessary to minimize, as much as possible, contamination of the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  held by the sample holder  105 . Normally, the semiconductor wafer is held by a mechanical method, while in the present embodiment, the sample holder  105  can be electrostatically chucked, and contamination is reduced by holding the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  with the sample holder  105  using the electrostatic chuck. 
     Here, for being electrostatically chucked, the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  is constantly applied with the voltage, and here, adverse effect may occur when the electrical characteristics of the element or the wiring are measured by bringing the probes of the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  into contact. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a voltage equal to the voltage applied to the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101 , is applied to the probe of the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100 , or the voltage is canceled by applying a voltage of the same value but with a sign opposite to that of the voltage value applied to the sample  101  by the electrostatic chuck, so that the electrical characteristics may be measured. 
     Examples of the measuring method of the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  includes a method of measuring an absorption current and a method of measuring an electric characteristic.  FIGS. 32A and 32B  are views showing an example of an electrical measurement method by probing with the tip of the probe being in contact with the sample  101 .  FIG. 32( a )  shows an example in which the absorption current of the charged particle beam  3201  from the SEM lens barrel  103  is measured, and  FIG. 32( b )  shows an example in which the characteristics of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor are measured without irradiating the charged particle beam  3201 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 32( a ) , the tip of the probe  3203  of the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  is brought into contact with one end of the conductive wiring  3202  formed on the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101 , and the probe  3203  is grounded, and an ammeter  3204  is provided between the probe  3203  and the ground point. Here, when the finely focused charged particle beam  3201  is irradiated onto the wiring  3202  from the SEM lens barrel  103 , the so-called absorption current of the charged particle beam  3201  by the wiring  3201  may be measured based on the output of the ammeter  3204 . 
     Note that the ammeter  3204  is a component included in the current and voltage detection unit  114   b , and specifically includes a circuit that detects a voltage corresponding to the absorption current, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the voltage, and the like. Then, the value of the voltage amplified by the amplifier circuit is appropriately converted from analog to digital (A/D) and read by the control computer  114   d.    
     The absorption current is a current obtained based on the charge generated by absorbing the charged particle beam  3201  by the wiring  3202 , and generally, it corresponds to a value obtained by subtracting an amount of charge of charged particles reflected or emitted from the wiring  3202 , from an amount of charge (beam current) supplied to the wiring  3202  by the charged particle beam  3201  per unit time. Therefore, by measuring the absorption current with the ammeter  3204 , the presence of the conduction from the irradiation position of the charged particle beam  3201  to the contact position of the probe  3203  may be known. 
     Since the charged particle beam  3201  may penetrate through a thin insulation layer or the like, even when the wiring  3202  is covered with an insulation layer or the like, an absorption current may be detected for a wiring of a layer under the same within a range where the charged particle beam  3201  can reach. When the two probes  3203  are brought into contact with wirings at different positions (not shown), the distribution of the resistance value in the wiring connecting the two probes  3203  may be obtained by measuring the absorption current with at least one of the probes  3203 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 32( b ) , when a plurality of (for example, four) probes  3205   a  to  3205   d  are brought into contact with the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101 , the operating characteristics of an element (for example, a MOS transistor element) or the like formed on the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  may be acquired without irradiation with the charged particle beam  3201 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 32( b ) , the probe  3205   a  is brought into contact with a source area  3206 , the probe  3205   b  is brought into contact with a gate electrode  3207 , the probe  3205   c  is brought into contact with a drain area  3208 , and the probe  3205   d  is brought into contact with a substrate area  3209 . Therefore, by appropriately applying a voltage to each of the probes  3205   a  to  3205   d  and measuring a current flowing between the probe  3205   a  and the probe  3205   c , for example, a gate voltage characteristic of a source-drain current may be acquired.  FIG. 32( b )  shows an example in which the probes  3205   a  to  3205   d  are brought into direct contact with the element, but, even when the probes  3205   a  to  3205   d  are brought into contact with the electrode pads connected to the element, the operating characteristics of the element (for example, a MOS transistor element) formed on the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  may also be acquired without irradiation with the charged particle beam  3201 . 
       FIG. 33  is a view showing an example of an absorption current image (current and voltage image) obtained based on the measurement of the absorption current. The absorption current image  3301  shown in  FIG. 33  includes examples of an image of the tip of the probe  3302  of the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100 , an image  3303  of the pad electrode contacted by the probe  3302 , an image  3304  of the uppermost wiring, and an image  3305  of the wiring of a layer under the insulation layer. As shown in  FIG. 33 , in the absorption current image  3301 , certain images are acquired for the wiring or element in a conductive state with the probe  3302 , such as, in the present example, an image  3303  of the pad electrode, an image  3304  of the wiring of the uppermost layer, and an image  3305  of the wiring of a layer under the insulation layer, while no image is acquired for the wiring and element not in a conductive state. 
     In the absorption current image  3301 , an image of the absorption current for the wiring in the layer under the insulation layer (image  3305  of the wiring of the underlayer) may be obtained, as long as the charged particle beam from the SEM lens barrel  103  can reach through the insulation layer. Therefore, in the absorption current image  3301 , a wiring structure under the insulation layer, which cannot be observed in a charged particle image such as an SEM image, may be observed nondestructively. The absorption current image  3301  may be displayed on the display device  109 . 
     When the absorption current is acquired, measurement on the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  to be measured cannot be performed unless the voltage is 0 V. As described above, the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101  is fixed by the electrostatic chuck, so that when a voltage of +V (V) is applied to the surface of the sample, the voltage is canceled by applying a current of −V (V) to the surface of the sample, and the voltage is apparently 0 V at the measurement site on the surface of the sample, thereby allowing measurement of the absorption current. 
     While the same method may be applied when measuring the electrical characteristics, in the case of measuring the electrical characteristics, typically, two probes are brought into contact with the measurement positions, respectively and a potential difference of 1 V is applied between the two probes such that a current flows therebetween to evaluate the electrical characteristics. Therefore, for example, when a voltage of +V (V) is applied to the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101 , a voltage of +V (V) is applied to one probe and a voltage of +V+1 (V) obtained by adding an additional 1 V is applied to the other probe, so that the electrical characteristics may be evaluated. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     In the present embodiment, an example in which the first to eighth embodiments described above are applied to the manufacture of a semiconductor device will be described.  FIG. 34  is a view showing an example of a flow of a front-end process in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device. 
     First, in step S 3401 , an ingot serving as a semiconductor material is pulled up. In step S 3402 , the ingot is cut using a diamond blade or the like to obtain a wafer. In step S 3403 , the wafer is polished, and in step S 3404 , the wafer is placed in a high-temperature diffusion furnace and exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere to form an oxide film on the wafer surface. The oxide film is required for printing a circuit pattern. 
     In step S 3405 , a photoresist is applied on the wafer on which the oxide film has been formed. In step  53406 , a pattern is formed on the wafer surface. In step S 3407 , unnecessary oxide films are removed by performing etching. In step S 3408 , the photoresist that has become unnecessary after the etching is removed by oxidizing plasma, and the wafer is immersed in a chemical solution by a cleaning device to remove impurities remaining on the wafer. 
     In step S 3409 , an oxide film is deposited using a CVD apparatus or the like to form an interlayer insulation film. In step S 3410 , after forming a gate insulation film by a thermal oxidation method, the surface is nitrided, and a gate film is formed thereon using CVD method. Then, after forming the gate electrode by pattern formation, an impurity element is ion-implanted into the silicon substrate by the ion implantation method, and the impurity is further diffused uniformly by high-temperature diffusion to form source and drain areas. 
     In step S 3411 , an oxide film is deposited by the CVD method, and the surface is planarized by polishing with a CMP apparatus. Then, etching is performed using the contact hole resist pattern as a mask to form a contact hole in the insulation film. Here, a metal film is buried by the CVD method, and an excess film is removed by CMP polishing. Subsequently, in step S 3412 , an insulation film is formed again by the CVD method, a pattern is formed, and a portion (trench) to be a wiring is formed. A metal film is buried in the trench, and the excess film is polished and removed. By repeating these processes, a multilayer wiring is formed. Then, the processes from the step S 3405  of applying the photoresist to the step S 3412  of forming the multilayer wiring are appropriately repeated, whereby the semiconductor wafer having the multilayer wiring is completed. 
     After completion of the multilayer wiring semiconductor wafer, in step S 3413 , a wafer inspection is performed, and when it is a non-defective product, the semiconductor wafer having the multilayer wiring is sent to a back-end process of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In the inspection in the front-end process in step S 3413 , the prober needle is applied to each LSI chip in the wafer, and communication with a connected tester is performed to determine whether the chip is good or defective. Although the back-end process of semiconductor manufacturing is not shown, in general, the wafer is cut for each LSI chip, the cut chip is fixed to a metal lead frame, and the chip and the lead frame are connected to each other by a fine wire, then packaged, printed, and finally inspected to complete the semiconductor product. 
     Here, even if the wafer has completed the front-end process, when a defect is found during inspection in step S 3413 , the wafer needs to be discarded. Even when the inspection is performed with the conventional nano-prober inspections disclosed in PTLs 1 to 3, since the measurement is performed by polishing the wafer that has completed the front-end process to expose the wiring in the LSI chip in order to identify and measure a defective portion, the inspected wafer need to be discarded after all. During the inspection, when the wafer is contaminated, the value as a product is lost, and the loss is increased. 
     Here, when the measurement or inspection is performed using the apparatus or the method described in First to Seventh Embodiments, since the probe is made of a material such as tungsten that is compatible with the semiconductor wafer as the sample  101 , the contamination of the wafer may be significantly reduced. Therefore, during the appropriate repetition of the process from step S 3405  for applying the photoresist to step  3412  for forming the multilayer wiring described above, the semiconductor wafer may be put into the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  and subjected to the failure analysis. Therefore, by acquiring electrical characteristics and absorption current images in the manufacturing process of each layer, it is possible to provide early feedback on defects caused by manufacturing equipment and materials during the process, and to reduce the number of defective wafers. For example, in the production process of the transistor layer with the method shown in  FIGS. 32A, 32B and 33 , the insulation resistance value between different diffusion layer areas is checked, and the resistance value at the end and the end of the gate is measured, so that the quality of spatial manufacturing is electrically confirmed. Although the above has been available only for the length measurement SEM, after the process of the length measurement SEM, by newly adding a check process by the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100 , it is also possible to confirm the state of spatial manufacturing by acquiring electrical characteristics, so that the reliability of the manufacturing process can be further increased. In addition to the spatial check, by acquiring the electrical characteristics of the PN junction of the semiconductor and confirming the insulation performance of the gate from other areas by the method shown in  FIGS. 32A and 32B , it is possible to find out electrical defects that cannot be determined from the external appearance. With respect to the wiring layers other than the transistor layer, the conduction and insulation of the electrical wiring layer may be confirmed by the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  that simply measures the resistance between the wiring end and the end and measures the resistance between the wirings. The defective portion of the wiring, such as the disconnection of the wiring or the short circuit between the wirings, may be found as an image by acquiring an absorption current image. With such configuration, the reliability of the device production process can be improved in the sense that the electrical connection can be confirmed as an image by the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100 , rather than confirming the line width by the length measurement SEM. 
     As described above, the spatial confirmation by the length measurement SEM at the time of the process of generating each layer and the electrical confirmation by the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  are applied in each production process, so that feedback to the subsequent lot is quickly performed, thereby improving the yield of wafers as a whole and reducing the production cost. In the related arts, when some defects are found after the wafer has been completed, the completed wafer has to be discarded since the confirmation work is carried out by polishing for failure analysis, but according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to introduce the electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus  100  into a production process and avoid contamination of the wafer, thereby improving the efficiency of defect analysis in many scenes of a front-end process in a semiconductor device manufacturing process. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               100 : electrical characteristic evaluation apparatus 
               101 : sample 
               102 : sample stage 
               103 : SEM lens barrel 
               104 : detector 
               105 : sample holder 
               106 : probe cartridge 
               107 : probe driving mechanism 
               108 : controller 
               109 : display device 
               110 : probe exchanger 
               132 : scribe area 
               141 : electrode pad for substrate 
               142 : electrode pad for gate 
               143 : electrode pad for drain 
               144 : electrode pad for source 
               901 : MEMS probe 
               2201 : MEMS probe