Patent ID: 7288774

Claim:
A particle beam device which operates upon a test subject, wherein at least a portion of the particle beam device is maintained in a vacuum, the particle beam device comprising at least: a particle generator; at least a first particle focusing device, the particle generator and the at least first particle focusing device together being formed into a first particle beam column; a plurality of air bearings to support the particle beam column and to permit the particle beam column to move in a nearly frictionless manner across a top surface of a first support table; a sample holding station located within the top surface of the first support table, the sample holding station holding at least a first surface of a test object in an essentially co-planar relationship with the top surface of the first support table, wherein the sample holding station comprises at least a well in the top surface of the first support table for receiving the test object therein, and wherein the sample holding station further comprises a plurality of lifter assemblies and a chuck, the lifter assemblies in a first extended position receiving the test object and in a second, compressed position holding the test object in proximity to the chuck so that the chuck can hold the test object, the compressed position being such that the top surface of the test object is held in a co-planar relationship with the top surface of the first support table; and an air bearing leveling tool for placing the test object into the second, compressed position, the air bearing leveling tool having a plurality of air bearings which are applicable to the top surface of the test object to thereby force the test object and the lifter assemblies into the second, compressed position.