Patent ID: 7514683

Claim:
Scanning electron microscope comprising: an electron beam source; a stage for retaining thereon a specimen to which an electron beam from the electron beam source is irradiated; an objective lens for focusing the electron beam to the specimen retained on the stage; an electrode plate being arranged between the specimen and the objective lens, and having a passing aperture of electron beam; and a retarding power supply used for decelerating the electron beam from the electron beam source until the electron beam comes to have a desired voltage by applying a voltage between the specimen and the electrode plate, wherein the electrode plate is divided into at least two regions which are insulated from one another, an electrostatic capacitance between one of the regions which is electrically connected to the specimen, and the other region or an entirety of the other regions is measured, and an electrostatic voltage of the specimen is detected based on a measurement value thereof.