The disclosed embodiments relate to a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, comprising: a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part; a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement, such as an electron source, is arranged at said second frame part; and a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said connecting assembly via electrical wiring.

The disclosed embodiments relate to a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, comprising: a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part; a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement, such as an electron source, is arranged at said second frame part; and a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said connecting assembly via electrical wiring.

A reference image is generated based on an illumination condition and element information of a specimen. The reference image includes a figure indicating a characteristic X-ray generation range, a numerical value indicating a characteristic X-ray generation depth, or the like. The reference image changes with a change of an accelerating voltage, a tilt angle, or an element forming the specimen. The reference image may include a figure indicating a landing electron scattering range, a figure indicating a back-scattered electron generation range, or the like.

A reference image is generated based on an illumination condition and element information of a specimen. The reference image includes a figure indicating a characteristic X-ray generation range, a numerical value indicating a characteristic X-ray generation depth, or the like. The reference image changes with a change of an accelerating voltage, a tilt angle, or an element forming the specimen. The reference image may include a figure indicating a landing electron scattering range, a figure indicating a back-scattered electron generation range, or the like.

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.

Systems and methods for reducing the buildup of charge during the investigation of samples using charged particle beams, according to the present disclosure include irradiating a first portion of a sample during a first time period, wherein the irradiating the first portion of the sample causes a gradual accumulation of net charge in the first portion of the sample, generating imaging data based on emissions resultant from irradiating the first portion of the sample, and then irradiating a second portion of a sample holder for a second time period. The methods may further includes iteratively repeating the irradiation of the first portion and the second portion during imaging of the sample region. When more than one region of interest on the sample is to be investigated, the method may also include continuing to image additional portions of the sample by iteratively irradiating a region of interest on the sample and a corresponding portion of the sample holder.

Systems and methods for reducing the buildup of charge during the investigation of samples using charged particle beams, according to the present disclosure include irradiating a first portion of a sample during a first time period, wherein the irradiating the first portion of the sample causes a gradual accumulation of net charge in the first portion of the sample, generating imaging data based on emissions resultant from irradiating the first portion of the sample, and then irradiating a second portion of a sample holder for a second time period. The methods may further includes iteratively repeating the irradiation of the first portion and the second portion during imaging of the sample region. When more than one region of interest on the sample is to be investigated, the method may also include continuing to image additional portions of the sample by iteratively irradiating a region of interest on the sample and a corresponding portion of the sample holder.

Detectors and detection systems are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, a detector comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of sensing elements including a first sensing element and a second sensing element, wherein at least the first sensing element is formed in a triangular shape. The detector may include a switching region configured to connect the first sensing 5 element and the second sensing element. There may also be provided a plurality of sections including a first section connecting a first plurality of sensing elements to a first output and a second section connecting a second plurality of sensing elements to a second output. The section may be provided in a hexagonal shape.

Detectors and detection systems are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, a detector comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of sensing elements including a first sensing element and a second sensing element, wherein at least the first sensing element is formed in a triangular shape. The detector may include a switching region configured to connect the first sensing 5 element and the second sensing element. There may also be provided a plurality of sections including a first section connecting a first plurality of sensing elements to a first output and a second section connecting a second plurality of sensing elements to a second output. The section may be provided in a hexagonal shape.