Abstract:
A method and apparatus for aligning a laser beam (216) coincident with a charged particle beam (350). The invention described provides a method for aligning the laser beam through the center of an objective lens (214) and ultimately targeting the eucentric point of a multi-beam system (300). The apparatus takes advantage of components of the laser beam alignment system being positioned within and outside of the vacuum chamber (360) of the charged particle system.
Abstract:
A transmissive electrostatic lens in a charged particle beam column for detecting X-rays and light is provided. The final lens may include focusing elements (102) that are transmissive for X-rays for EDS imaging and analysis or elements that are transmissive for light for cathodoluminescent (CL) imaging and analysis. The final lens may be constructed and arranged to include elements that are transmissive for both X-rays and light for combined EDS and CL imaging and analysis. A detector (116, 118) is arranged to detect such radiation emanating from the sample and transmitted through the lens.
Abstract:
An environmental cell for a charged particle beam system allows relative motion between the cell mounted on an X-Y stage and the optical axis of the focusing column, thereby eliminating the need for a sub-stage within the cell. A flexible cell configuration, such as a retractable lid, permits a variety of processes, including beam-induced and thermally-induced processes. Photon yield spectroscopy performed in a charged particle beam system and using gas cascade amplification of the photoelectrons allows analysis of material in the cell and monitoring of processing in the cell. Luminescence analysis can be also performed using a retractable mirror.
Abstract:
An environmental cell for a charged particle beam system allows relative motion between the cell mounted on an X-Y stage and the optical axis of the focusing column, thereby eliminating the need for a sub-stage within the cell. A flexible cell configuration, such as a retractable lid, permits a variety of processes, including beam-induced and thermally-induced processes. Photon yield spectroscopy performed in a charged particle beam system and using gas cascade amplification of the photoelectrons allows analysis of material in the cell and monitoring of processing in the cell. Luminescence analysis can be also performed using a retractable mirror.
Abstract:
An improved method for laser processing that prevents material redeposition during laser ablation but allows material to be removed at a high rate. In a preferred embodiment, laser ablation is performed in a chamber (140, 501) filled with high pressure precursor (etchant) gas so that sample particles ejected during laser ablation will react with the precursor gas in the gas atmosphere of the sample chamber. When the ejected particles (108) collide with precursor gas particles (202), the precursor is dissociated, forming a reactive component that binds the ablated material. In turn, the reaction between the reactive dissociation by-product and the ablated material forms a new, volatile compound (204) that can be pumped away in a gaseous state rather than redepositing onto the sample (104).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for directing light or gas or both to a specimen positioned within about 2 mm from the lower end of a charged particle beam column. The charged particle beam column assembly includes a platform defining a specimen holding position and has a set of electrostatic lenses each including a set of electrodes. The assembly includes a final electrostatic lens that includes a final electrode that is closest to the specimen holding position. This final electrode defines at least one internal passageway having a terminus that is proximal to and directed toward the specimen holding position.
Abstract:
A method is provided for preparing a sample for correlative optical and electron imaging and correcting aberrations in the imaging process due to sample deformation. Dye-coated fiducial markers are distributed throughout the sample volume. The fiducial markers are preferably in the form of polystyrene nanospheres that are functionalized on their surface and subsequently treated with a fluorescent dye. The dye does not penetrate the sphere but only binds to the surface. By limiting the dye to the surface of the nanospheres, the shape of the spheres can be determined in iPALM and in charged particle images aiding in tracking of physical changes that may occur to the sample volume.