Patent Document ID: 20070023651
Application ID: 11482094
Patent Flag: 0

Claim One:
1. Methods of preparing and observing a sample in which a cross section formed on a sample surface is moved in a direction in which the cross section moves backward by processing the sample surface using a focused ion beam; in which an electron beam is irradiated on the cross section in a direction of an axis obliquely crossing an irradiation axis of the focused ion beam; and in which the moving sample cross section is observed with a scanning electron microscope, wherein tilting information on the sample surface is obtained; an angle between an irradiation axis of the focused ion beam and an irradiation axis of the electron beam as well as the tilting information on the sample surface is used, and these correction coefficients are obtained which correspond to an amount of movement of a field of view of the scanning electron microscope and an amount of a deviation of a focus position of the same, the movement of a field of view and the deviation of a focus position occurring due to the movement of the sample cross section by the processing; and the movement of a field of view and the deviation of a focus position of the scanning electron microscope are corrected by use of the correction coefficients, and the field of view and the focus position are caused to follow the movement of the sample cross section.