IP Library Granted Patent US 8,921,784
Granted Patent B2
US 8,921,784 · App. 13/505,517 · Granted Dec 30, 2014

Scanning electron microscope

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,921,784
App. No.
13/505,517
Granted
Dec 30, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

There is provided a scanning electron microscope capable of achieving a size reduction of the device while at the same time suppressing the increase in column temperature as well as maintaining performance, e.g., resolution, etc. With respect to a scanning electron microscope for observing a sample by irradiating the sample with an electron beam emitted from an electron source and focused by condenser lenses, and detecting secondary electrons from the sample, the condenser lenses comprise both an electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens and a permanent magnet-type condenser lens.

Claims (18)

1. A scanning electron microscope for observing a sample by irradiating the sample with an electron beam emitted from an electron source and focused by condenser lenses, and detecting secondary electrons or backscattered electrons from the sample, comprising:

a Wehnelt electrode or an anode electrode adapted to change an accelerating voltage; and

an objective aperture adapted to regulate the electron beam, wherein

the condenser lenses comprise both an electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens and a permanent magnet-type condenser lens,

the permanent magnet-type condenser lens is arranged in the scanning electron microscope to focus the electron beam emitted from the electron source,

the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens is arranged in the scanning electron microscope after the permanent magnet-type condenser lens to focus the electron beam focused by the permanent magnet-type condenser lens, and

the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens is adapted to be controlled to change a position in an up/down direction of a cross-over created between the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens and an objective lens, to adjust a spot size on the sample, and to adjust a probe current.

2. The scanning electron microscope according to claim 1 , wherein the topmost condenser lens is of a permanent magnet-type.

3. The scanning electron microscope according to claim 1 , further comprising a deflector that corrects the optical axis of the electron beam, the deflector being provided in at least one of the following manners: below, concentric with, and above the permanent magnet-type condenser lens.

4. The scanning electron microscope according to claim 2 , further comprising a deflector that corrects the optical axis of the electron beam, the deflector being provided in at least one of the following manners: below, coaxially with, and above the permanent magnet-type condenser lens.

5. A scanning electron microscope for observing a sample by irradiating the sample with an electron beam emitted from an electron source and focused by condenser lenses, and detecting secondary electrons or backscattered electrons from the sample, comprising:

a Wehnelt electrode or an anode electrode adapted to change an accelerating voltage; and

an objective aperture adapted to regulate the electron beam, wherein

the condenser lenses comprise both an electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens and a permanent magnet-type condenser lens,

the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens is arranged in the scanning electron microscope to focus the electron beam emitted from the electron source,

the permanent magnet-type condenser lens is arranged in the scanning electron microscope after the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens to focus the electron beam focused by the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens, and

the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens is adapted to be controlled to change a position in an up/down direction of a cross-over created between the electromagnetic coil-type condenser lens and an objective lens, to adjust a spot size on the sample, and to adjust a probe current.

6. The scanning electron microscope according to claim 5 , further comprising a deflector that corrects the optical axis of the electron beam, the deflector being provided in at least one of the following manners: below, concentric with, and above the permanent magnet-type condenser lens.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME AND ADDRESS Recorded Mar 30, 2020
From: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
To: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 052259/0227 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 2, 2012
From: IWAYA, TORU; KOBORI, SAKAE; OHTAKI, TOMOHISA; HATANO, HARUHIKO
To: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 028141/0163 →