Abstract: One embodiment relates to an electron beam apparatus. The apparatus includes a source for generating an incident electron beam, an electron lens for focusing the incident electron beam so that the beam impinges upon a substrate surface and interacts with surface material so as to cause secondary emission of scattered electrons, and a detector configured to detect the scattered electrons. The apparatus further includes an advantageous device configured to trap the scattered electrons which are emitted at sharp angles relative to the sample surface plane of the substrate surface. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of imaging using an electron beam. An incident electron beam is focused onto the specimen surface, a scattered electron beam is extracted from the specimen surface, and a plurality of dark field signals are detected using a detection system. An interpolated dark field signal is generated using the plurality of dark field signals. In addition, a bright field signal may be detected using the detection system, and a final interpolated signal may be generated using the interpolated dark field signal and the bright field signal. User input may be received which determines a degree of interpolation between two adjacent dark field signals so as to generate the interpolated dark field signal and which determines an amount of interpolation between the interpolated dark field signal and the bright field signal so as to generate a final interpolated signal. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for imaging a structure and a related processor-readable medium are disclosed. A surface of a substrate (or a portion thereof) is exposed to a gas composition. The gas composition includes one or more components that etch the substrate upon activation by interaction with a beam of electrons. A beam of electrons is directed to one or more portions of the surface of the substrate that are exposed to the gas composition to etch the one or more portions. A plurality of images is obtained of the one or more portions at different instances of time as the one or more portions are etched. A three-dimensional model of one or more structures embedded within the one or more portions of the substrate is generated from the plurality of images.