Patent ID: 7205539

Claim:
A charged-particle beam apparatus configured for sample charging control prior to imaging a sample, the apparatus comprising: a stage configured to hold the sample; a column for generating a charged-particle beam and for directing the beam to an area of the sample; an electron detector for detecting electrons generated by impingement of the charged-particle beam onto the area; an irradiation source for generating a light beam and for directing the light beam to the area; a conductive element configured above the sample; bias circuitry configured to apply to the sample stage, during a charge control phase, a positive bias voltage relative to the conductive element above the sample; and control circuitry is coupled to the bias circuitry and to the irradiation source, wherein the control circuitry is configured to direct the light beam onto the area at a same time as said positive bias voltage is applied to the sample stage such that a substantially uniform negative surface potential is achieved.