Patent ID: 7598491

Claim:
An electron-beam observation apparatus comprising: a stage on which a to-be-observed target sample having a defect is placed, the defect being detected by an inspection apparatus beforehand, the stage movable in XY directions and rotatable in a horizontal plane; a first electro-optical system which irradiates by scanning a converged electron beam from a substantially perpendicular direction to the defect on the target sample to be observed, and outputs a defect image signal with perpendicular observation by detecting at least one of a secondary electron image and a reflected electron image which is generated from the defect by first electron detection means; a second electro-optical system which irradiates by scanning a converged electron beam from a tilted direction to the defect on the target sample to be observed, and outputs a defect image signal with tilt observation by detecting at least one of a secondary electron image and a reflected electron image which is generated from the defect on the target sample to be observed by second electron detection means; a defect image signal acquisition unit which acquires the defect image signal with the perpendicular observation from the first electro-optical system, and the defect image signal with the tilt observation from the second electro-optical system; and a control unit which controls position of said stage in X and Y directions when said stage is rotating in a horizontal plane to keep the detect in a vicinity field of said trust electro-optical system and said second electro-optical system.