Patent · US Expired

Automated focusing of electron image

US7247849B1 · kind B1 · utility

5Cited by
8References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 1, 2006
Grant dateJul 24, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 1, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J2237/2817
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for automated focusing of an electron image. An EF cut-off voltage is determined. In compensation for a change in the EF cut-off voltage, a focusing condition is adjusted. Adjusting the focusing condition may comprise, for example, adjusting a wafer bias voltage in correspondence to the change in cut-off voltage. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a method for automated focusing of an electron image in a scanning electron imaging apparatus. A focusing condition of a primary electron beam in a first image plane is varied so as to maximize an intensity of a secondary electron beam through an aperture in a second image plane.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.