Electron beam modulation in response to optical pump pulses applied to a sample is measured using SPAD elements. Individual detection events are used to form histograms of numbers of events in time bins associated with pump pulse timing. The histograms can be produced at a SPAD array, simplifying data transfer. In some examples, two SPAD arrays are stacked and a coincidence circuit discriminates signal events from noise events by determining corresponding events are detected within a predetermined time window.

Electron beam modulation in response to optical pump pulses applied to a sample is measured using SPAD elements. Individual detection events are used to form histograms of numbers of events in time bins associated with pump pulse timing. The histograms can be produced at a SPAD array, simplifying data transfer. In some examples, two SPAD arrays are stacked and a coincidence circuit discriminates signal events from noise events by determining corresponding events are detected within a predetermined time window.

There are provided a method of accurately detecting a measurement error of SEM equipment by comparing and aligning a design image with an SEM image, and a method of accurately aligning SEM equipment based on a detected measurement error. The method of detecting a measurement error of SEM equipment includes acquiring SEM images of a measurement target, performing pre-processing on the SEM images and design images corresponding thereto, selecting training SEM images from among the SEM images, performing training by using the training SEM images and training design images and generating a conversion model between the SEM images and the design images, converting the SEM images into conversion design images by using the conversion model, extracting an alignment coordinate value by comparing and aligning the conversion design images with the design images, and determining a measurement error of the SEM equipment based on the alignment coordinate value.

A method and a system are for sparse sampling utilizing a programmatically randomized signal for modulating a carrier signal. The system includes a compound sparse sampling pattern generator that generates at least one primary carrier signal, and at least one secondary signal. The at least one secondary signal modulates the at least one primary signal in a randomized fashion.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pattern matching device and computer program that carry out highly accurate positioning even if edge positions and numbers change. The present invention proposes a computer program and a pattern matching device wherein a plurality of edges included in first pattern data to be matched and a plurality of edges included in second pattern data to be matched with the first pattern data are associated, a plurality of different association combinations are prepared, the plurality of association combinations are evaluated using index values for the plurality of edges, and matching processing is carried out using the association combinations selected through the evaluation.

Provided is a charged particle beam device that enables, even if a visual field includes therein a plurality of regions having different secondary electron emission conditions, the setting of appropriate energy filter conditions adapted to each of these regions. The charged particle beam device is equipped with a detector for detecting charged particles obtained on the basis of scanning, over a sample, a charged particle beam emitted from a charged particle source, and an energy filter for filtering by energy the charged particles emitted from the sample. Index values are determined for the plurality of regions contained within the scanning region of the charged particle beam, and, for each of a plurality of energy filter conditions, differences are calculated between the plurality of index values and the reference index values that have been set for each of the plurality of regions.

The present invention provides a packaging unit for liquid sample loading devices applied in an electron microscope. The liquid sample loading devices may be easily, rapidly, precisely and stably aligned and packaged by an engagement of an upper jig and a bottom jig as well as a first fixing pillar supported in a slide track of the packaging unit. Accordingly, efficiency and a yield of packaging the liquid sample loading devices may be improved. In addition, the packaging unit for the liquid sample loading devices of the present invention may directly package a liquid sample, and thus the liquid sample may maintain its original state.

Provided is an ion beam system including a gas field ionization ion source which can obtain a high current sufficient for processing and stabilize an ion beam current. The ion beam system includes a gas field ionization ion source which includes: a vacuum vessel; an emitter tip holder disposed in the vacuum vessel; an emitter tip connected to the emitter tip holder; an extraction electrode opposed to the emitter tip; a gas supply portion for supplying a gas to the emitter tip; and a cold transfer member disposed in the vacuum vessel and transferring cold energy to the emitter tip holder. The cold transfer member has its surface covered with a heat insulating material in order to prevent the gas condensation.

A metrology method for use in determining one or more parameters of a three-dimensional patterned structure, the method including performing a fitting procedure between measured TEM image data of the patterned structure and simulated TEM image data of the patterned structure, determining a measured Lamellae position of at least one measured TEM image in the TEM image data from a best fit condition between the measured and simulated data, and generating output data indicative of the simulated TEM image data corresponding to the best fit condition to thereby enable determination therefrom of the one or more parameters of the structure.

A metrology method for use in determining one or more parameters of a three-dimensional patterned structure, the method including performing a fitting procedure between measured TEM image data of the patterned structure and simulated TEM image data of the patterned structure, determining a measured Lamellae position of at least one measured TEM image in the TEM image data from a best fit condition between the measured and simulated data, and generating output data indicative of the simulated TEM image data corresponding to the best fit condition to thereby enable determination therefrom of the one or more parameters of the structure.