Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charged particle beam system comprising a charged particle beam source, a charged particle column, a sample chamber, a plurality of electrically powered devices arranged within or at either one of the charged particle column, the charged particle beam source and the sample chamber, and at least one first converter to convert an electrical AC voltage power into an electrical DC voltage. The first converter is positioned at a distance from either of the charged particle beam source, the charged particle column and the charged particle chamber, and all elements of the plurality of electrically powered devices, when operated during operation of the charged particle beam source, are configured to be exclusively powered by the DC voltage provided by the converter.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of operating a gas field ion beam system in which the gas field ion beam system comprises an external housing, an internal housing, arranged within the external housing, an electrically conductive tip arranged within the internal housing, a gas supply for supplying one or more gases to the internal housing, the gas supply having a tube terminating within the internal housing, and an extractor electrode having a hole to permit ions generated in the neighborhood of the tip to pass through the hole into the external housing. The method comprises the step of regularly heating the external housing, the internal housing, the electrically conductive tip, the tube and the extractor electrode to a temperature of above 100° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas field ion source having a gun housing, an electrically conductive gun can base attached to the gun housing, an inner tube mounted to the gun can base, the inner tube being made of an electrically isolating ceramic, an electrically conductive tip attached to the inner tube, an outer tube mounted to the gun can base, the outer tube being made of an electrically isolating ceramic, and an extractor electrode attached to the outer tube. The extractor electrode can have an opening for the passage of ions generated in proximity to the electrically conductive tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charged particle beam system, comprising a noble gas field ion beam source, a charged particle beam column, and a housing defining a first vacuum region and a second vacuum region. A noble gas field ion beam source is arranged within the first vacuum region. A first mechanical vacuum pump is functionally attached to the first vacuum region, an ion getter pump is attached to the charged particle beam column, and a gas supply is attached to the first vacuum region configured to supply a noble gas to the noble gas field ion beam source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas field ion source comprising a housing, an electrically conductive tip arranged within the housing, a gas supply for supplying one or more gases to the housing, wherein the one or more gases comprise neon or a noble gas with atoms having a mass larger than neon, and an extractor electrode having a hole to permit ions generated in the neighborhood of the tip to pass through the hole. A surface of the extractor electrode facing the tip can be made of a material having a negative secondary ion sputter rate of less than 10?5 per incident neon ion.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include: (a) forming a channel in a sample, the channel extending one micron or more along a direction oriented at an angle to a surface of the sample; (b) exposing a portion of the sample above the channel to a particle beam to cause particles to leave the surface of the sample; and (c) forming an image of the sample based on particles that leave the surface.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Charged particle system are disclosed and include a first voltage source, a second voltage source electrically isolated from the first voltage source, a charged particle source electrically connected to the first voltage source, and an extractor electrically connected to the second voltage source. Methods relating to the charged particle systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sample inspection using an ion-beam microscope. In some embodiments, the disclosure involves the use of multiple detectors, each of which provides different information about a sample.

Abstract: Ion microscope methods and systems are disclosed. In general, the systems and methods involve relatively light isotopes, minority isotopes or both. In some embodiments, an isotope of Neon is used.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can exhibit relatively little undesired vibration and/or can sufficiently dampen undesired vibration. This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like).

Abstract: Ion microscope methods and systems are disclosed. In general, the systems and methods provide high ion beam stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for applying a voltage gradient to a gas delivery system, delivering a gas through a length of the gas delivery system having the voltage gradient, the gas having a pressure-distance product of less than about 1×10?2 Torr-inches or greater than about 100 Torr-inches, and delivering the gas into a housing of an ion microscope, the housing including an emitter and an extractor.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can exhibit relatively little undesired vibration and/or can sufficiently dampen undesired vibration. This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like). In certain embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can enhance the ability to make tips having desired physical attributes (e.g., the number of atoms on the apex of the tip). This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like).

Abstract: Ion microscope methods and systems are disclosed. In general, the systems and methods involve relatively light isotopes, minority isotopes or both. In some embodiments, an isotope of Neon is used.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can exhibit relatively little undesired vibration and/or can sufficiently dampen undesired vibration. This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like). In certain embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can enhance the ability to make tips having desired physical attributes (e.g., the number of atoms on the apex of the tip). This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like).

Abstract: Cooled charged particle sources and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a charged particle source is thermally coupled to a solid cryogen, such as solid nitrogen. The thermal coupling can be design to provide good thermal conductivity to maintain the charged particle source at a desirably low temperature.

Abstract: Ion microscope methods and systems are disclosed. In general, the systems and methods involve relatively light isotopes, minority isotopes or both. In some embodiments, He-3 is used.

Abstract: Coated tips, as well as related articles, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Charged particle beams with different charged particle currents are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes exposing a sample to a first ion beam having a first ion current at the sample, and exposing the sample to a second ion beam having a second ion current at the sample, where the first ion current is at least two times greater than the second ion current. In certain embodiments, a method includes creating a first ion beam at a first pressure, exposing a sample to the first ion beam, creating a second ion beam at a second pressure, and exposing the sample to the second ion beam, where the first pressure is at least two times greater than the second pressure.