Automated ion beam idle

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9123500
APP PUB NO 20130256553A1
SERIAL NO

13436916

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Abstract

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An improved method and apparatus for shutting down and restoring an ion beam in an ion beam system. Preferred embodiments provide a system for improved power control of a focused ion beam source, which utilizes an automatic detection of when a charged particle beam system is idle (the beam itself is not in use) and then automatically reducing the beam current to a degree where little or no ion milling occurs at any aperture plane in the ion column. Preferred embodiments include a controller operable to modify voltage to an extractor electrode and/or to reduce voltage to a source electrode when idle state of an ion source of the charged particle beam system is detected.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
FEI COMPANY5350 NE DAWSON CREEK DRIVE HILLSBORO OR 97214-5793

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Kellogg, Sean Portland, US 21 161
Miller, Tom Portland, US 70 2521
Zbranek, Jiri Hillsboro, US 1 2

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