A method for generating cross-sectional profiles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) includes scanning a sample with an electron beam to gather an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum for an energy level to determine element composition across an area of interest. A mesh is generated to locate positions where a depth profile will be taken. EDS spectra are gathered for energy levels at mesh locations. A number of layers of the sample are determined by distinguishing differences in chemical composition between depths as beam energies are stepped through. A depth profile is generated for the area of interest by compiling the number of layers and the element composition across the mesh.

A method for generating cross-sectional profiles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) includes scanning a sample with an electron beam to gather an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum for an energy level to determine element composition across an area of interest. A mesh is generated to locate positions where a depth profile will be taken. EDS spectra are gathered for energy levels at mesh locations. A number of layers of the sample are determined by distinguishing differences in chemical composition between depths as beam energies are stepped through. A depth profile is generated for the area of interest by compiling the number of layers and the element composition across the mesh.

An electron microscope including a vacuum chamber for containing a specimen to be analyzed, an optics column, including an electron source and a final probe forming lens, for focusing electrons emitted from the electron source, a specimen stage positioned in the vacuum chamber under the probe forming lens for holding the specimen, and multiple x-ray detectors positioned within the vacuum chamber, at different takeoff angles with respect to the sample's x-ray emission position in the chamber. Takeoff angles are provided to improve the counting efficiency of the various sensors. Multiple detectors of different types may be supported within the vacuum chamber on a mechanical support system, which may be adjustable. A method includes operating the sensors to optimize the time required for accurate x-ray counting by gathering data at the multiple takeoff angles.

A cross-section processing and observation method performed by a cross-section processing and observation apparatus comprises a cross-section processing step of forming a cross-section by irradiating a sample with an ion beam; a cross-section observation step of obtaining an observation image of the cross-section by irradiating the cross-section with an electron beam; and repeating the cross-section processing step and the cross-section observation step so as to obtain observation images of a plurality of cross-sections. In a case where Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS) measurement of the cross-section is performed and an X-ray of a specified material or of a non-specified material that is different from a pre-specified material is detected, an irradiation condition of the ion beam is changed so as to obtain observation images of a plurality of cross-sections of the specified material, and the cross-section processing and observation of the specified material is performed.

A method of investigating a specimen using X-ray tomography, comprising (a) mounting the specimen to a specimen holder, (b) irradiating the specimen with a beam of X-rays along a first line of sight through the specimen, and (c) detecting a flux of X-rays transmitted through the specimen and forming a first image. Then (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) for a series of different lines of sight through the specimen, thereby producing a corresponding series of images. The method further comprises (e) performing a mathematical reconstruction on said series of images, so as produce a tomogram of at least part of the specimen, wherein the specimen is disposed within a substantially cylindrical metallic shell with an associated cylindrical axis, the beam of X-rays is produced by directing a beam of charged particles onto a zone of said metallic shell, so as to produce a confined X-ray source at said zone, and the series of different lines of sight is achieved by rotating said shell about said cylindrical axis, thereby causing relative motion of said zone relative to the specimen.

A method of investigating a specimen using X-ray tomography, comprising (a) mounting the specimen to a specimen holder, (b) irradiating the specimen with a beam of X-rays along a first line of sight through the specimen, and (c) detecting a flux of X-rays transmitted through the specimen and forming a first image. Then (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) for a series of different lines of sight through the specimen, thereby producing a corresponding series of images. The method further comprises (e) performing a mathematical reconstruction on said series of images, so as produce a tomogram of at least part of the specimen, wherein the specimen is disposed within a substantially cylindrical metallic shell with an associated cylindrical axis, the beam of X-rays is produced by directing a beam of charged particles onto a zone of said metallic shell, so as to produce a confined X-ray source at said zone, and the series of different lines of sight is achieved by rotating said shell about said cylindrical axis, thereby causing relative motion of said zone relative to the specimen.

A focused ion beam apparatus includes a focused ion beam irradiation mechanism that forms first and second cross-sections in a sample. A first image generation unit generates respective first images, either reflected electron images or secondary electron images, of the first and second cross-sections, and a second image generation unit generates a second image that is an EDS image of the first cross-section. A control section generates a three-dimensional image of a specific composition present in the sample based on the first images and the second image.

A method for generating cross-sectional profiles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) includes scanning a sample with an electron beam to gather an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum for an energy level to determine element composition across an area of interest. A mesh is generated to locate positions where a depth profile will be taken. EDS spectra are gathered for energy levels at mesh locations. A number of layers of the sample are determined by distinguishing differences in chemical composition between depths as beam energies are stepped through. A depth profile is generated for the area of interest by compiling the number of layers and the element composition across the mesh.

A method for generating cross-sectional profiles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) includes scanning a sample with an electron beam to gather an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum for an energy level to determine element composition across an area of interest. A mesh is generated to locate positions where a depth profile will be taken. EDS spectra are gathered for energy levels at mesh locations. A number of layers of the sample are determined by distinguishing differences in chemical composition between depths as beam energies are stepped through. A depth profile is generated for the area of interest by compiling the number of layers and the element composition across the mesh.

An electron microscope including a vacuum chamber for containing a specimen to be analyzed, an optics column, including an electron source and a final probe forming lens, for focusing electrons emitted from the electron source, a specimen stage positioned in the vacuum chamber under the probe forming lens for holding the specimen, and multiple x-ray detectors positioned within the vacuum chamber, at different takeoff angles with respect to the sample's x-ray emission position in the chamber. Takeoff angles are provided to improve the counting efficiency of the various sensors. Multiple detectors of different types may be supported within the vacuum chamber on a mechanical support system, which may be adjustable. A method includes operating the sensors to optimize the time required for accurate x-ray counting by gathering data at the multiple takeoff angles.