Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a particle optical device, such as an ESEM(R), for observing samples simultaneously using particles and photons and reducing the scattering of particle beams at high pressure. SOLUTION: A pressure limiting aperture (PLA) is placed in a diaphragm between an objective lens in the ESEM (R) and a sample position. The distance between the sample position and the aperture is sufficiently small to allow a large collection angle of the photons through this aperture. A mirror is provided between the diaphragm and the objective lens. Due to the large collection angle for photons, a large NA is achieved. The small distance between the sample position and aperture also results in less scattering of electrons than occurs in the ESEM(R) where a mirror is placed between the aperture and sample position since the electrons have to travel through only a limited length in a high pressure area. Embodiments also include combinations where, for example, an immersion lens is used. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transfer mechanism for transferring a specimen (2) from a first position in a first holder 40 to a second position in a second holder 10 and/or vice versa. SOLUTION: Respective holders 10, 40 are installed to detachably hold the specimen, and the transfer of the specimen between the holders takes place in a transfer position different from a second position. When the sample is conveyed between the holders 10, 40, a mechanical guidance mechanism positions the holders with a mutual precision higher than the mutual precision in the second position, and the mechanical guidance mechanism does not position at least one of the holders 10, 40 when the specimen is in the second position. The mechanical guidance mechanism may comprise extra parts 50. At least one of the holders 40 may be installed to hold a number of specimens. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a particle optical device having a predetermined final vacuum pressure. SOLUTION: A pressure chamber of this device is connected to a volume where steam or gas is present at known pressure through a first throttle valve, and connected to a vacuum pump through a second throttle valve. By converting a ratio of two conductance values related to the throttle valves to a calibrated ratio, the final pressure of a vacuum chamber is set at predetermined final pressure. Thereby, for instance, the need of a vacuum gage and a control system is obviated, whereby such a device can be designed in a small size. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sample evacuation device. SOLUTION: On the sample evacuating device, the sample 4 is put on a cavity 3 on a sheet 1 having a smooth surface 2. An independent plate 5 is located on the smooth surface 2, and forms a vacuum sealing together with the smooth surface 2. The independent plate 5, having a vacuum column 6 mounted thereon, can slide around on the smooth surface 2. The cavity 3 is evacuated through several steps while the independent plate 5 slides on the smooth surface 2. In this embodiment, the vacuum column is formed into an ESEM (environment control type scanning electron microscope). The evacuated sample 4 can be inspected by the ESEM. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a time savable alternative method for taking out a microscopic sample from a substrate. SOLUTION: The method for taking out the microscopic sample 1 from the substrate 2 comprises a step of performing a cutting process where the substrate 2 is irradiated with a beam 4 so as to cut out the sample from the substrate, and a step of performing an adhering process where the sample 1 is adhered to a probe 3. The cutting process and the adhering process temporarily overlap mutually. The simultaneous performing of the cutting process and adhering process can realize time saving comparing with the continuous performing of the cutting process and adhering process. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a particle source having selectable beam currents and expansions of energy. SOLUTION: The particle source causes a selection of the energy. The selection is caused by decentering beams from charged particles 13 through a lens 6 to direct it. As a result, diffusion of the energy is caused at an image 15 formed by the lens 6. It is possible to allow only particles at sections with the energy spectrum limited thereat to be passed through by projecting the image 15 onto an aperture 7. As a result, the passed beams 16 have expansions of reduced energies. With addition of a deflection unit 10, the beams 16 of the particles can be deflected toward a light axis 2. It is also possible to select to deflect a beam 12 which passes through the center of the lens 6 toward the light axis 2 and has a larger current. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method concerning manufacturing of a sample and concerning transmissive irradiation. SOLUTION: This method comprises steps of (A) providing a particle optical system having an inner low pressure chamber and being suitable for generating an electron beam and an intersection ion beam inside the chamber; (B) providing a test piece transported by a manipulator; (C) irradiating the test piece by the ion beam so as to cut out the sample from the test piece; (D) relatively moving the cut-out sample to a sample holder so as to be manipulatable; (E) attaching the sample to the sample holder; and (F) using the electron beam so as to perform the transmissive irradiation onto the sample attached to the sample holder. This method is characterized in that the step (F) is performed in the chamber of the particle optical system according to the step (A). COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI