Abstract: Because a sample holder 100 is composed of a plurality of convex parts 1 provided on a top face of a base substance 2, and the plurality of convex parts 1 are spherical surfaces 1a formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, frictional wear of the sample at contact parts between a sample 4 and the convex parts 1 is reduced, thereby making it possible to inhibit particle generation. Further, because a joining layer 3 is formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, there is no defect that particles scattered on the sample holder 100 fill up it, which makes it possible to easily keep it in a clean state by cleaning, and it is possible to effectively reduce reattachment of particles to the sample 4.

Abstract: A sample holding tool is provided with a base plate, a plurality of convex portions formed on the base plate so as to stick out from the upper face thereof; and at least one holding plate having a plurality of curved face portions corresponding to the convex portions, with a lower face concave portion of each of the curved face portions being made in contact with the tip portion of each of the convex portions, so that a sample is supported on the upper face convex portion of each of the curved face portions; thus, since the sample is supported by the curved face portion of the holding plate, the contact area to the sample is made very small so that it becomes possible to greatly reduce pointed peak portions, scratches and the like at contact portions between the sample and the curved face portions. Consequently, generation of particles due to abrasion of the sample can be reduced and the particles are reduced from intruding into scratches and voids and occasionally readhering to the sample.

Abstract: Because a sample holder 100 is composed of a plurality of convex parts 1 provided on a top face of a base substance 2, and the plurality of convex parts 1 are spherical surfaces 1a formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, frictional wear of the sample at contact parts between a sample 4 and the convex parts 1 is reduced, thereby making it possible to inhibit particle generation. Further, because a joining layer 3 is formed of a single crystal or amorphous material, there is no defect that particles scattered on the sample holder 100 fill up it, which makes it possible to easily keep it in a clean state by cleaning, and it is possible to effectively reduce reattachment of particles to the sample 4.