Patent ID: 8680466

Claim:
A scanning electron microscope for scanning an electron beam on a sample deployed on a sample-supporting stage, said electron beam being emitted from an electron source, said scanning electron microscope, comprising: a negative-voltage applying power-supply for applying a negative voltage to said sample, and thereby forming a decelerating electric field to be exerted onto said electron beam; an electrostatic-chuck mechanism for providing a potential difference among a plurality of its internal electrodes, and thereby generating an adsorption force to be exerted onto said sample; a contact terminal which is so configured as to come into contact with said sample when said sample is deployed on said sample-supporting stage; and a switch which switches connecting destination of the contact terminal between the negative-voltage applying power-supply and a ground electrode, wherein: said electrostatic-chuck mechanism causes said potential difference to occur among said internal electrodes in said state where said contact terminal comes into contact with said sample and the contact terminal is connected to the ground electrode, and said negative-voltage applying power-supply being operated to apply said negative voltage to said contact terminal by switching of the switch after said potential difference has been caused to occur.