JP5435120B2 - Charged particle beam equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charged particle beam apparatus, and more particularly to a charged particle beam apparatus suitable for correcting a deviation of an optical axis of a charged particle optical system and stably obtaining a high resolution image.

  In a charged particle beam apparatus typified by a scanning electron microscope, desired information (for example, a sample image) is obtained from a sample by scanning a finely focused charged particle beam on the sample. In such a charged particle beam apparatus, if there is a deviation in the optical axis with respect to the lens, lens aberration occurs and the resolution of the sample image decreases, so high-precision axis adjustment is required to obtain a sample image with high resolution. It is. Therefore, in the conventional axis adjustment, the excitation current of the objective lens is periodically changed, and the operating conditions of the axis adjustment deflector (aligner) are manually adjusted so as to minimize the movement at that time. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-195453 discloses a technique for automatically performing such adjustment. According to this description, a technique for changing the excitation set value of the alignment coil based on the transition of the electron beam irradiation position that changes between two excitation conditions of the objective lens is disclosed. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-331637 discloses a technique for performing focus correction from two electron microscope images obtained under different optical conditions based on detection of positional deviation between the two.

  Moreover, if it deviates from the center of the astigmatism corrector that performs astigmatism correction of the charged particle beam, the field of view moves when adjusting astigmatism, and adjustment becomes difficult. Therefore, another aligner (deflector) that controls the position of charged particles on the sample in conjunction with the operation of the astigmatism corrector is provided, and the setting value (astigmatism corrector) of the astigmatism corrector changes. The field of view is corrected so that the observed image does not move when the astigmatism is adjusted by canceling the movement of the image with respect to. At this time, a signal proportional to the set value of the astigmatism corrector is input to the aligner for correcting field deviation, but this proportionality factor must be determined so that the image movement is canceled when adjusting astigmatism. I must. In order to perform this adjustment, an astigmatism corrector setting value (such as current) is periodically changed to find a proportional coefficient that minimizes image movement at this time.

JP 2000-195453 A JP 2000-331637 A

  In order to manually adjust the optical axis as described above, an experience-backed technique is required, and adjustment accuracy varies depending on the operator, and adjustment may take time. Also, in the above-described adjustment by automation, it is necessary to store adjustment parameters that change depending on the optical conditions for each optical condition, and registration work is required each time the optical conditions are changed. Further, even if the optical system is used under the same optical conditions, there is a problem that adjustment based on the registered parameters becomes difficult due to a change with time of the optical axis. There is also a possibility that the operator may perform observation or the like based on the deteriorated sample image without noticing that the axis is shifted.

  The purpose of the present invention is to enable easy adjustment of the optical axis and automatic adjustment of the optical axis even when the optical conditions are changed or the state of the charged particle beam changes due to the change of the optical axis over time. The present invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus suitable for the purpose.

  To achieve the above object, a charged particle beam apparatus including a charged particle source, an optical element that adjusts a charged particle beam emitted from the charged particle source, and an alignment deflector that adjusts an axis of the optical element. In the above, when the condition of the optical element is changed to at least two, and when the condition of the alignment deflector is changed to at least two states, the optical element is set by the setting means under the respective alignment deflection conditions. The alignment deflector based on the relationship between the means for detecting the deviation between the patterns in the two images obtained by changing the condition of the image, the at least two deviations, and the deflection condition of the alignment deflector There is provided a charged particle beam apparatus characterized by comprising means for adjusting the above.

  According to such a configuration, highly accurate axis adjustment can be automatically executed regardless of the optical conditions of the charged particle beam. Other configurations of the present invention will be described in detail in the section of the embodiment of the invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform highly accurate axis adjustment regardless of the optical conditions of the charged particle beam apparatus.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanning electron microscope that is an example of the present invention. Schematic processing flow for correcting an axial deviation with respect to the objective lens. The principle figure which correct | amends the axial shift with respect to an objective lens. 3 is a schematic process flow for correcting an axis deviation with respect to an astigmatism corrector. An example of a message when axis deviation is detected. An example of the axis misalignment detection process which added the image quality determination process. The figure which shows the setting screen for setting the environment of automatic axis deviation correction. The figure which shows the example of a display of a correction amount graph. Schematic processing flow for correcting axis deviation. A processing flow for detecting image shift. Schematic processing flow when automatic operation is executed. Setting screen for setting the environment for automatic axis deviation correction during automatic operation. Outline processing flow of automatic astigmatism.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanning electron microscope which is an example of the present invention. A voltage is applied between the cathode 1 and the first anode 2 by a high voltage control power source 20 controlled by a computer 40, and the primary electron beam 4 is extracted from the cathode 1 with a predetermined emission current. An acceleration voltage is applied between the cathode 1 and the second anode 3 by a high-voltage control power source 20 controlled by a computer 40, and the primary electron beam 4 emitted from the cathode 1 is accelerated and proceeds to the subsequent lens system. . The primary electron beam 4 is converged by the converging lens 5 controlled by the lens control power source 21, and after the unnecessary region of the primary electron beam is removed by the diaphragm plate 8, the converging lens 6 controlled by the lens control power source 22, And the objective lens 7 controlled by the objective lens control power source 23 is converged as a minute spot on the sample 10. The objective lens 7 can take various forms such as an in-lens system, an out-lens system, and a snorkel system (semi-in-lens system). A retarding method is also possible in which a negative voltage is applied to the sample to decelerate the primary electron beam. Furthermore, each lens may be composed of an electrostatic lens composed of a plurality of electrodes.

  The primary electron beam 4 is scanned two-dimensionally on the sample 10 by the scanning coil 9. The secondary signal 12 such as secondary electrons generated from the sample 10 by the irradiation of the primary electron beam travels to the upper part of the objective lens 7 and then the primary electron is separated by the secondary signal separating orthogonal electromagnetic field (EXB) generator 11. And is detected by the secondary signal detector 13. The signal detected by the secondary signal detector 13 is amplified by the signal amplifier 14 and then transferred to the image memory 25 and displayed on the image display device 26 as a sample image.

  A one-stage deflection coil 51 (objective lens aligner) is disposed near or at the same position as the scanning coil 9, and operates as an aligner for the objective lens. Further, an octupole astigmatism correction coil 52 (astigmatism corrector) for correcting astigmatism in the X and Y directions is disposed between the objective lens and the aperture plate. An aligner 53 for correcting the axial deviation of the astigmatism correction coil is disposed in the vicinity of the astigmatism correction coil or at the same position.

  In addition to the sample image, the image display device 26 displays various operation buttons for setting the electron optical system and scanning conditions, as well as buttons for checking the axis conditions and instructing the start of automatic axis alignment. it can.

  When focus adjustment is performed in a state where the primary electron beam has passed a position deviated from the center of the objective lens (in a state where the axis is deviated), the field of view moves with the focus adjustment. When the operator notices an axis shift, the start of the axis alignment process can be instructed by an operation such as clicking a process start button displayed on the display device with a mouse. Upon receiving an axis alignment command from the operator, the computer 40 starts processing along a flow as described in the following embodiments.

  In the description of FIG. 1, the control processor unit is described as being integrated with or equivalent to the scanning electron microscope. However, the control processor unit is not limited to this, and a control processor provided separately from the scanning electron microscope body is described below. Processing as described may be performed. In this case, a detection signal detected by the secondary signal detector 13 is transmitted to the control processor, or a signal is transmitted from the control processor to a lens or a deflector of the scanning electron microscope, and via the transmission medium. An input / output terminal for inputting / outputting a transmitted signal is required. Alternatively, a program for performing the processing described below may be registered in a storage medium, and the program may be executed by a control processor that has an image memory and supplies necessary signals to the scanning electron microscope.

  The sample 10 is set on the stage 15. When the stage 15 is moved by a control signal from the computer 40, the stage 15 can be moved to an arbitrary position on the sample or the stage. A dedicated pattern 16 for beam adjustment can be arranged on the stage.

  Conditions for automatic operation can be set in advance by the image display device 26 and an input device (such as a mouse or a keyboard) 42. Conditions for automatic operation are stored in the storage device 41 as a recipe file. The recipe file also includes conditions for executing automatic axis adjustment.

Example 1
The processing flow of FIG. 2 will be described in detail below.

First step:
A current condition of the objective lens 7 or a condition determined based on the current condition (for example, a condition in which the focus is slightly shifted from the current focus condition) is set as the condition 1 in the objective lens 7. Next, the current condition of the aligner 51 or a predetermined condition is set as the condition 1 of the aligner 51. The image 1 is acquired under the objective lens condition 1 and the aligner condition 1.

Second step:
With the condition of the aligner 51 as it is, an image 2 is acquired by setting a second focus condition in which only the objective lens condition is defocused by a predetermined value with respect to the objective lens condition 1.

Third step, fourth step:
A condition obtained by shifting the condition of the aligner 51 by a predetermined value with respect to the condition 1 is set as the condition 2 and is set in the aligner 51. Then, the objective lens conditions are set to Condition 1 and Condition 2 in the same manner as in Steps 1 and 2, and the respective images (image 3 and image 4) are acquired.

5th step:
An image is acquired again under the same conditions as image 1 and is registered as image 5.

Sixth step:
The parallax (image shift) between the image 1 and the image 2 is detected by image processing, and this is registered as the parallax 1. The parallax between the images can be detected from, for example, the image shift amount that maximizes the image correlation value by obtaining the image correlation while shifting the images of the image 1 and the image 2 in units of pixels. In addition, any image processing capable of detecting parallax can be applied to the present embodiment.

Seventh step:
The parallax between image 1 and image 2 is detected by image processing and registered as parallax 2.

Eighth step:
The parallax between image 1 and image 5 is detected by image processing and registered as parallax 3. Since the image 1 and the image 5 are acquired under the same conditions, if there is a deviation (parallax 3) between these images, the deviation is created by a sample or beam drift. That is, when the optical condition of the charged particle beam is set to a certain state (first state) and then the optical condition is set to another state (second state), and then the first state is set again, the above 2 Sample images are detected in each of the first states, and the drift is calculated based on the deviation between the two.

Ninth step:
The drift component is detected from the parallax 3, and the drift component is corrected (removed) for the parallax 1 and the parallax 2. For example, if the capture interval between the images 1 and 5 is t seconds, the drift (d) per unit time (seconds) is expressed by d = (parallax 3) / t. On the other hand, if the capture intervals of the images 1 and 2, and the images 3 and 4 are T12 and T34, the parallax 1 and the parallax 2 include drift components of d × T12 and d × T34, respectively. Therefore, by subtracting the drift component from the parallax 1 and the parallax 2, it is possible to calculate an accurate parallax due to the axis deviation.

10th step, 11th step:
The optimum value of the aligner 51 is calculated from the parallax 1 and the parallax 2 that have been drift-corrected, and set to the aligner.

  The processing flow of FIG. 2 is described in a procedure with which the operation can be easily understood. However, the order of capturing images does not affect the processing except for the first and last images (for drift correction). In actual processing, in order to speed up the processing, for example, the objective lens condition 7 is set to the condition 1 and the images 1 and 3 are successively captured, and then the objective lens condition 7 is set to the condition 2 Image 2 and image 4 can be captured continuously. Since the objective lens of an electron microscope is usually composed of a magnetic field lens and has a large inductance, a method of continuously controlling an aligner with a small inductance and capable of high-speed control is practically effective.

  The principle of correcting (correcting) the axial deviation with respect to the objective lens in the processing flow of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In a state where the axis is deviated, the beam off-axis amount at the position (deflection surface) of the aligner 51 is WAL (complex variable: XAL + j · YAL, j: imaginary unit), and the beam inclination with respect to the optical axis at this position is WAL ′ ( (Complex variable), trajectory calculation based on electron optical theory (paraxial theory) is possible. In the case of a magnetic field type objective lens, if the image shift amount (parallax) generated when the lens current value is changed from I1 to I2 by ΔI (= I1−I2) is ΔWi (complex variable: ΔXi + j · ΔYi), the trajectory By calculation, ΔWi can be expressed as follows.

(Equation 1)
ΔWi = K · ΔI · (WAL · A + WAL ′ · B) (1)
Here, K, A, and B are parameters (complex numbers) that are determined by the off-axis state at the time of measurement and the operating conditions of the objective lens (acceleration voltage, focal length of the objective lens, object point position of the objective lens, etc.). is there. The state in which the axis is deviated with respect to the objective lens means that ΔWi has a value other than 0 in Equation (1). Therefore, conventionally, the current of the objective lens is periodically changed by ΔI, the operator recognizes the image shift ΔWi at this time, and the aligner conditions are adjusted so as to eliminate the image shift. That is, the optimum value of the aligner for correcting the axial deviation indicates a condition in which the right side of the equation (1) is 0 regardless of ΔI. If you export this condition,

(Equation 2)
(WAL · A + WAL '· B) = 0 (2)
Thus, the operating condition of the aligner that satisfies this condition is the optimum value. If there is an axis misalignment, the aligner deflection surface is also accompanied by the tilt of the incident beam. If this is WAL0 ', the deflection angle (control value) by the aligner is WAL1'.

(Equation 3)
WAL '= WAL0' + WAL1 '(3)
It is represented by Therefore, the purpose of the axis adjustment function is to obtain the aligner condition WAL1 ′ (the optimum value of the aligner) that satisfies the equation (2). When the aligner is composed of electromagnetic coils, the deflection angle WAL1 'is proportional to the coil current of the aligner. From the above relationship, rewriting equation (1)

(Equation 4)
ΔWi = ΔI · (A1 + WAL1 ′ · B1) (4)
Is obtained. Here, A1 and B1 summarize the following terms.

(Equation 5)
A1 = K ・ (WAL ・ A + WAL0 ′ ・ B) (5)

(Equation 6)
B1 = KB (6)
From equation (4), the optimum value WAL1 ′ of the aligner is

(Equation 7)
WAL1 '=-A1 / B1 (7)
Therefore, the optimum value of the aligner can be calculated by obtaining A1 and B1. In Expression (4), ΔI is the current change amount of the objective lens and can be determined in advance as a known value. Therefore, if the aligner is set to two predetermined conditions and the parallax ΔWi with respect to ΔI is detected by image processing in each of them, an equation for obtaining the unknowns A1 and B1 is obtained from the equation (4). Since A1 and B1 can be solved from this equation, the optimum condition of the aligner can be determined from Equation (7).

  That is, the unknown n-order equations such as A and B are solved under the condition that the parallax ΔWi obtained when the aligner is set to two predetermined conditions is small (ideally zero). Thus, a condition that does not depend on the operating condition of the electron optical system can be derived. Based on this condition, an aligner condition (aligner excitation condition) can be derived. Note that the aligner 51 has an arrangement or structure capable of two-dimensionally controlling a beam passing position on at least the main surface of the objective lens. If the deflection fulcrum of the beam by the aligner exists in the vicinity of the main surface of the objective lens, the state of the axial deviation with respect to the objective lens cannot be controlled. That is, in the case of an alignment deflector (aligner) using an electromagnetic coil as in the embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to detect an excitation current (deflection signal) to the coil that changes depending on optical conditions. For example, since the excitation current that changes depending on the change in the excitation condition of the objective lens and the magnitude of the retarding voltage applied to the sample can be detected based on the optical conditions at the time of observation, different parameters are set for each optical condition. It is not necessary to register, and even if the beam condition changes due to changes over time, it becomes possible to detect the excitation current to the appropriate alignment coil in the changed state.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to cope with the changing state of the axis deviation and the operating conditions of the optical element of the charged particle optical system (for example, beam energy, focal length, optical magnification, etc.) Can be easily realized.

  The magnitude of the axis deviation can be quantified by the magnitude of the parallax ΔWi with respect to ΔI. Therefore, for example, when an operation with the possibility of causing an axis deviation such as a sample exchange or a change in conditions of the electron optical system is performed, the axis deviation can be detected in advance by executing a process for detecting the parallax ΔWi due to ΔI. can do. Further, when ΔWi exceeds a predetermined value, a message can be displayed informing the operator that the axis adjustment is necessary. FIG. 5 shows an example of a message screen when axis deviation is detected. The operator can execute the axis adjustment process by the input means according to this message, if necessary. For example, the input means can click on an icon displayed on the message screen (for example, FIG. 5) or another dedicated icon displayed on the monitor with a mouse, or specify a processing command from the menu screen. Can take form.

(Example 2)
On the other hand, the astigmatism corrector 52 can also be automatically adjusted in this embodiment. In the astigmatism corrector, the action of converging the beam and the action of diverging the beam occur in different directions in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. Therefore, if the beam does not pass through the center of the astigmatism correction field, it will be deflected in a direction corresponding to the deviation from the center of the astigmatism correction field. At this time, since the deflection action also changes in conjunction with the correction of astigmatism, the image moves in conjunction with the adjustment operation of astigmatism, making the adjustment operation difficult. In order to correct this, conventionally, a signal linked to the signal (Xstg, Ystg) of the astigmatism corrector 52 is inputted to another aligner 53, and the astigmatism corrector is detected by the movement of the image generated in the aligner 53. The movement of the image due to is canceled. At this time, if the signal (complex variable) input to the aligner 53 is Ws1, Ws1 is expressed by the following equation.

(Equation 8)
Ws1 = Ksx · Xstg + Ksy · Ystg (8)
Here, Ksx and Ksy are coefficients represented by complex variables. Assuming that the signals (Xstg, Ystg) of the astigmatism corrector are changed separately by ΔXstg, ΔYstg, respectively, the movements (parallax) ΔWix, ΔWiy of the observation image corresponding to each change are as follows. .

(Equation 9)
ΔWix = ΔXstg · (Asx + Bx · Ksx) (9)

(Equation 10)
ΔWiy = ΔYstg · (Asy + By · Ksy) (10)
Here, Asx and Asy are complex variables whose values are determined in accordance with the axial deviation of the beam with respect to the astigmatism corrector. Ksx and Ksy represent axis adjustment parameters (complex variables) controlled by the apparatus. Bx and By are complex variables determined by the position of the aligner, the deflection sensitivity, the conditions of the electron optical system, and the like. Conventionally, modulation signals ΔXstg and ΔYstg are respectively added to the astigmatism corrector, and the operator recognizes the image movement (ΔWix, ΔWiy) at that time, and manual adjustment of the parameters Ksx and Ksy is performed so as to eliminate this. It was broken.

  This is the axis adjustment operation for the astigmatism corrector. That is, the operation of aligning the axis with the astigmatism corrector corresponds to obtaining the coefficients Ksx and Ksy at which ΔWix and ΔWiy are 0 regardless of ΔXstg and ΔYstg in the equations (9) and (10). . It should be noted that ΔWix and ΔWiy are ideally zero, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the coefficient may be obtained under the condition that ΔW is small so as to be close to zero. The forms of Equation (9) and Equation (10) are exactly the same as Equation (4) shown above, and the current value change (ΔI) of the objective lens is changed to the signal change (ΔXstg, ΔYstg) of the astigmatism corrector. In other words, the optimal control parameters (Ksx, Ksy) for the aligner 53 can be obtained by parallax detection and its calculation processing. A processing flow for this is shown in FIG. The aligner for correcting the visual field shift by the astigmatism corrector is for correcting the position of the beam on the sample, and must be disposed at a position where the position on the sample can be controlled.

  The magnitude of the axis deviation with respect to the astigmatism corrector can be quantified by image deviation (parallax) when a change in ΔXstg and ΔYstg is given to the signal of the astigmatism corrector. For this reason, in this embodiment, as in the case of the axis deviation with respect to the objective lens described above, operations that may change the state of the optical axis (change in acceleration voltage, sample exchange, change in focus position, etc.) are performed. In this case, parallax detection can be performed to display and notify the operator of the state of the axis deviation. According to this display, the operator can instruct execution of the axis alignment processing of the astigmatism corrector by using the input means displayed on the screen, if necessary. The input means can take various forms, for example, by clicking a dedicated icon displayed on the monitor with a mouse or designating processing from a menu screen.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the operator erroneously instructs the axis adjustment process in an inappropriate image state (a state in which the focus is significantly shifted or an image state that includes almost no structural information), a malfunction of the process is caused. Can be prevented. This function will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. When instructed to start the axis misalignment detection process or the axis adjustment process, the CPU 40 first captures the current image and executes a process of quantifying the captured image (image quality quantification). This processing by the quantification means quantifies whether there is structural information necessary for parallax detection in the image. As an output of this processing, for example, the image can be subjected to Fourier transform, and a quantitative value Fi calculated by the following expression from the result can be used.

(Equation 11)
Fi = ΣΣ [F (fx, fy) · fx ⁿ · fy ⁿ ] (11)
Here, F (fx, fy) represents a two-dimensional Fourier transform (FFT) of the image, and fx, fy represents a spatial frequency. By using a real number or an integer of 1 or more as the index n, it is possible to appropriately quantify the image quality. That is, if there is no structural information in the image, F (fx, fy) becomes a very small value in a region where fx, fy is greater than 0. Therefore, structural information appropriate for the image quality is obtained from the calculation result of Equation (11). It is possible to determine whether or not there is. If the quantitative value Fi is less than or less than a predetermined value, an alarm may be generated based on a determination that the quantitative value Fi is not suitable for the alignment signal calculation. This alarm may be by display or sound as shown in FIG.

(Example 3)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a setting screen for setting an automatic axis deviation correction environment displayed on the image display device. The operator of the scanning electron microscope sets the automatic axis adjustment environment from this screen. In the case of the present embodiment, an example of setting with the pointing device 60 on the setting screen will be described. First, the operator determines whether or not aperture alignment is to be automatically performed, and selects one of “correction based on parallax detection”, “predetermined value correction”, and “no”. “Correction based on parallax detection” is a mode in which axis deviation correction is performed in the steps described in the first embodiment. If this mode is selected, it is possible to obtain a stable axis correction accuracy for a long time regardless of the temporal change of the primary electron beam. “Default value correction” is a pre-registered memory that is not shown in the figure, which stores the axial deviation that occurs for each objective lens excitation condition and the distance between the sample and the objective lens (a plurality of optical conditions such as working distance). In this mode, when conditions are set, the axis is adjusted with the registered axis adjustment conditions. This mode may be selected, for example, when no change in axis deviation occurs over time or when almost the same axis deviation is recognized even when the optical conditions are changed. In this setting, correction is performed based on the default value, so that detection time for the axis adjustment condition and calculation time are not required, and processing time can be improved. “No” is a mode in which the axis is not adjusted, and it is desirable to select it in an environment in which no axis deviation occurs.

  As described above, if a plurality of correction modes can be selected on the environment setting screen, it is possible to select appropriate correction conditions based on the use conditions, environment, and the like of the scanning electron microscope.

  Next, the operator selects automatic axis adjustment timing. For example, if the frequency of axis misalignment is high, set “every analysis point” in consideration of the accuracy of the axis tones and correct the axis misalignment at each measurement point so that the axis misalignment does not occur much. If there is, it is preferable to select “every wafer” in consideration of the throughput, and to correct the axis deviation every time the wafer to be measured by the scanning electron microscope is replaced. By providing such options, it is possible to select an appropriate axis deviation correction timing based on the use conditions, environment, etc. of the scanning electron microscope. If “when a predetermined value is exceeded” is selected, the parallax ΔWi with respect to the objective lens current change amount ΔI is detected for each analysis point or for each wafer, and when ΔWi exceeds a predetermined value, “correction based on parallax detection”. Is done. In addition, when “user setting” is selected, the axis adjustment is performed at an axis adjustment timing separately registered in advance.

  Next, the operator selects whether or not to register the correction amount graph. The correction amount graph here is displayed on the image display device in the form as shown in FIG. In the technique shown in the first embodiment, the coil current to the astigmatism corrector aligner 53 is finally calculated. The difference between the coil current and the coil current before correction is how much the beam is deviated from the optical axis. By plotting this degree and graphing it, it is possible to determine the transition of the degree of axis deviation. If the transition of this axis deviation shows a substantially constant value, it is determined that the state of the subsequent axis deviation is also the same, and by switching to the “default value correction” above, “parallax detection” The detection time and calculation time of the axis adjustment condition required for “correction based on” can be eliminated, and the throughput can be improved. By displaying such a graph, it is possible to entrust the operator to make a determination for performing appropriate automatic axis adjustment, and to set appropriate axis adjustment conditions.

  The graph shown in FIG. 8B is an example in which the measurement result of the semiconductor pattern width is displayed superimposed on the correction amount graph of FIG. The measurement of the semiconductor pattern width is formed based on the detected amount of secondary electrons or reflected electrons obtained by scanning an electron beam one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally on a semiconductor device having a pattern to be measured. This is done by measuring the width of the line profile. The length measurement result of the target pattern thus obtained and the pattern dimension error based on the design information are plotted superimposed on the correction amount graph shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8 (b), the part indicated by a is because the parallax ΔWi exceeds a predetermined range or there is no structural information necessary for parallax detection (the quantitative value Fi described in the second embodiment is If the value is less than or less than a certain value), the length is measured under the condition that “correction based on parallax detection” is not performed. It is desirable to distinguish and display this part from other parts such as by changing the color so that it can be distinguished from the case where the correction amount is zero. In the following description, a case where length measurement is performed without performing “correction based on parallax detection” when the parallax ΔWi exceeds a predetermined range will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to generate an alarm for prompting, etc. and stop automatic length measurement. In addition, when length measurement is continued even though “correction based on parallax detection” is not performed, the obtained length measurement value may be incorrect. In such a case, in order to confirm whether or not the length measurement was correctly performed later, the sample image obtained at the time of length measurement along with the length measurement value, the line profile, or the optical conditions of the electron microscope It is good to store at least one of them. The operator can judge the reliability of the length measurement by comparing the length measurement result obtained together with the information.

  Next, the operator selects what processing is to be performed when the parallax ΔWi exceeds a predetermined range, or when the set value Fi is less than or less than a certain value. When “stop length measurement” is selected, the length measurement that is being performed automatically and continuously is stopped, and the electron beam is blanked by a blanking mechanism (not shown) so as to be in a standby state. At this time, a message as shown in FIG. 5 may be displayed on the image display screen. Of these, “continue” is a mode in which length measurement is performed without performing “correction based on parallax detection”. “Continue with sample image registration” is a mode for registering a sample image and the like obtained without performing “correction based on parallax detection” together with the length measurement result as described above. “Switch to default value correction” is effective when “correction based on parallax detection” cannot be performed and the state of the axis deviation is known to some extent. In this mode, the axis deviation is performed based on a correction amount registered in advance. Further, it may be possible to skip to the next vertex without performing length measurement. Naturally, the environment setting screen described so far can also be applied for stigma alignment.

  In addition, in order to determine whether or not the automatic axis adjustment described in this embodiment is properly performed, at least four sample images used for performing “correction based on parallax detection” are displayed on an image display screen. It may be displayed in real time. In the above description, the axis adjustment for the objective lens and the astigmatism corrector has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and general optical elements for charged particle beams that need to be adjusted with an alignment deflector. It is applicable to. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to an electron microscope but also to all charged particle beam apparatuses that focus a charged particle beam using a focused ion beam or an axially symmetric lens system. An electrostatic deflector may be used as the aligner deflector.

Example 4
Next, scanning electron microscopes that measure the width of patterns on semiconductor wafers and contact hole dimensions, and scanning electron microscopes that inspect the presence of defects on semiconductor wafers and review detected defects. An embodiment suitable for adjusting the axis of an optical element (objective lens or astigmatism corrector) for adjusting an electron beam in an apparatus in which many samples are continuously introduced and automation is particularly desired will be described. .

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts for explaining the present embodiment, which are executed in accordance with a program stored in advance in the storage device 40 or an instruction input from the input device 42. 9 is different from the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the axis adjustment method is constant, whereas in the flowchart shown in FIG. Therefore, the axis adjustment method changes.

  In step 2001, an initial value (for example, current condition 1) A0 of the adjustment aligner (objective lens aligner 51 or astigmatism correction aligner 53) is acquired and stored in the computer 40. In step 2002, image movement (parallax in the first to third embodiments) W1 is calculated. The calculation of the image movement amount is performed in steps 3001 to 3006 described later. In step 2003, it is determined whether or not η is recalculated according to a flag given in advance. Here, η is an unknown to be obtained in this embodiment as will be described later. When recalculating, steps 2004 to S2006 are executed. If not, the image movement W2 is set to 0, a value given in advance is set to η, and then step 2011 is executed. In S2004, a condition (condition 2) in which the shift amount ΔA1 is shifted with respect to the initial value A0 of the aligner stored in the computer 40 is set in the aligner. In S2005, the image movement W2 is calculated according to the processing flow of steps 3001 to 3006.

  In step 2006, η is calculated from the equation (12) using the image movement W1 and the image movement W2 stored in the computer 40.

(Equation 12)
η = −1 / (W2−W1) (12)
In step 2007, it is determined whether or not ε is recalculated based on a flag given in advance. Here, ε is a device-specific constant to be obtained in this embodiment as will be described later. When recalculating, steps 2008 to 2010 are executed. If not, the image movement W3 = 0, and a value given in advance is set to ε, and then step 2011 is executed. In step 2008, a condition (condition 3 different from condition 1 and condition 2 described above) in which the shift amount ΔA2 is shifted with respect to the initial value A0 of the aligner stored in the computer 40 is set in the aligner. In step 2009, the image movement W3 is calculated by the processing flow in steps 3001 to 3006.

  In step 2010, ε is calculated from equation (13) using the image movement W1, the image movement W2, and the image movement W3 stored in the computer 40.

(Equation 13)
ε = (W3-W2) / (W2-W1) (13)
In step 2011, the alignment correction values X and Y are calculated from the image movements W1, η, ε, and | ΔA1 | according to the equation (14), and the alignment correction values X and Y are set in the aligner.

(Equation 14)
X + jε · Y = | ΔA1 | · η · W1 (14)
In step 2012, when the absolute value (X · X + Y · Y) of the alignment correction value (that is, the actual amount of axis deviation) is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, retry processing (steps 2001 to 2012) is performed. . The retry process compensates for the deviation calibration accuracy when the image is captured and the deviation is detected with the initial adjustment greatly deviated. Thus, by repeating the correction a plurality of times, the deviation can be corrected with higher accuracy.

  Next, the image movement calculation step will be described with reference to FIG. In step 3001, an initial value (for example, current condition) C0 of the adjustment target coil (objective lens 7 or astigmatism corrector 52) is acquired and stored in the computer 40. In step 3002, a condition (as condition 1) in which a predetermined value ΔC is shifted from the initial value C0 of the adjustment target coil is set in the adjustment target coil. In step 3003, the image 1 is acquired under the condition 1 and stored in the image memory 25. In step 3004, the adjustment target coil is set to a condition (as condition 2) in which a predetermined −ΔC is shifted from the initial value C 0 of the adjustment target coil.

  In step 3006, the image movement W is calculated by the image processing device 27 from the images 1 and 2 and stored in the computer 40. The image movement W is a vector of (x, y), and is a shift amount between the image 1 and the image 2. The amount of deviation is calculated by using the partial image of image 1 as a template and the position most similar to image 2 according to equation (15).

r (X, Y) is a correlation value at (X, Y), P _ij is a density value at a point (X + _i , Y + _j ) corresponding to image 2 of image 1, and M _ij is a point (X + _{i). +1} , Y + _{j + 1} ), and N is the number of pixels in the pattern mask. The obtained shift amount is a value obtained by subtracting (X, Y) from the partial image position of the image 1. This method has a high degree of freedom because no pattern is selected.

  As another method for calculating the image movement, the following can be considered. When the image for calculating the image movement includes a specific shape (for example, when a hole pattern is included in the image), the position of the pattern in the image 1 and the image 2 is detected by the following method. The deviation amount can be detected.

  First, the image 1 is differentiated by a differential filter, a threshold value is set so that an edge remains, and a binary screen is created. Segment processing is performed on this binary screen to extract only edges forming a pattern. The center of gravity (x1, y1) of the pattern is calculated from the extracted edge information. A similar process is performed on the image 2 to calculate the pattern centroid (x2, y2). The required shift amount is W (x2-x1, y2-y1). This method has an advantage that even if a pattern whose original shape is a circle is detected as an ellipse by changing the electro-optic condition, the position of the center of gravity hardly changes, and thus the pattern is resistant to deformation.

  The processing flow described here is the same for the aligner 51 for the objective lens and the aligner 53 for the astigmatism corrector (X direction, Y direction) only with different control values. Further, ε is a constant specific to the apparatus regarding sensitivity difference and orthogonal deviation arranged in the X and Y directions. Therefore, values obtained at the time of starting up the apparatus or periodically are stored in the storage device 41. By reading the stored value into the computer 40 before this processing flow is executed, steps 2008 to 2010 can be omitted. Further, when the axis adjustment is performed with a relatively short cycle without changing the electro-optical condition, the previously calculated value can be stored in the computer 40 and the value can be used as η.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a mode for recalculating predetermined variables such as ε and η using six images obtained by changing optical conditions (hereinafter referred to as a three-point measurement mode). A mode in which only η is recalculated based on four images obtained by changing optical conditions (hereinafter referred to as a two-point measurement mode), and a mode in which ε and η are not recalculated (hereinafter referred to as a one-point measurement mode). It is characterized in that it is used properly according to the situation. In the three-point measurement mode, high axis adjustment accuracy can be obtained. On the other hand, in the one-point measurement mode, two images are sufficient, and the processing speed can be increased. Since there is an effect specific to each mode as described above, it is desirable to use each mode properly as follows, for example.

  The three-point measurement mode is performed, for example, when the semiconductor inspection apparatus is started up, and ε is calculated at that time. The two-point measurement mode is executed once a day or at the time of recipe change that greatly changes the apparatus conditions of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and ε is read from the storage device 41 and used. The one-point measurement mode is executed for each measurement point of the semiconductor wafer to be inspected, and ε is read from the storage device 41 and η is read from the computer 40 and executed. It goes without saying that the example described here is merely an example, and can be changed according to the type of apparatus and measurement conditions.

  Note that the shift amount ΔA needs to satisfy the following two conditions because the sample image is used to detect image movement. (1) The shift amount must be increased to the extent that it can be recognized that the sample pattern has moved. (2) The shift amount must be reduced to the extent that the sample pattern does not deviate from the screen in advance. The conditions (1) and (2) can be determined if the geometric position of the sample pattern is known. That is, the shift amount ΔA is determined from the geometrical arrangement of the sample pattern and the observation magnification. This ΔA may be determined, for example, by providing an automatic sequence that is small when the magnification is high and large when the magnification is low, or may be automatically input from the input device 42.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, in the apparatus for adjusting the axis of the charged particle optical system based on the obtained sample image, the calculation means as described above and the selection means for a plurality of axis adjustment techniques (multiple calculation methods). By providing this, it is possible to achieve both high axis adjustment accuracy and high processing speed. Such a technical effect is that a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of measurement points is continuously introduced, and since automatic operation is continuously performed, the optical conditions may change over time. This is particularly effective for a semiconductor inspection apparatus in which conditions change, and an appropriate axis adjustment method can be assigned each time.

  The parameter η employed in this embodiment represents how the image movement amount (including the direction) changes when the alignment coil is operated, and is a parameter including alignment deflection sensitivity. However, it varies depending not only on the deflection sensitivity of simple alignment but also on the operating conditions of the electron optical system.

  In this embodiment, the basic expression (1) described in the previous embodiment is converted as follows and replaced with a parameter η. The inclination of the electron beam trajectory in the alignment coil section described in the previous embodiment includes both the deviation due to the axis deviation (WAL0 ′) and the deflection due to the current set value of the alignment coil (WAL1 ′). Furthermore, when the beam inclination with respect to the amount to be changed with respect to the current setting value of the alignment coil (setting change amount) is (WAL2 ′),

(Equation 16)
WAL '= WAL0' + WAL1 '+ WAL2' (16)
It becomes.

  Since the parameter required for control in Expression (16) is WAL2 ′, when Expression (1) is expressed with all other terms as constants,

(Equation 17)
ΔW = ΔI · K · (A1 + B1 · WAL2 ′) (17)
It becomes. Here, the image movement amount given by ΔI · K · A1 corresponds to the image movement amount generated under the condition of the current alignment setting value.

  On the other hand, the relationship between the DAC value (X, Y) of the alignment coil and WAL2 ′ can be written as follows.

(Equation 18)
WAL2 ′ = k · (X + jε · Y) (18)
Here, k is a coefficient representing the sensitivity of the alignment coil X, and ε represents the complex relative sensitivity of Y to X (the absolute value of ε is the sensitivity ratio, and arg (ε) is the orthogonality deviation). Substituting equation (18) into equation (17) and expressing the meaningless coefficients together, the image movement amount ΔW when the objective lens current is changed is

(Equation 19)
ΔW = A2 + B2 · (X + jεY) (19)
Can be written.

  Since the condition of the current center axis is ΔW = 0, the alignment value satisfying this is

Calculated by Therefore, if A2 and B2 are derived from the image movement amount, the alignment control value (X, Y) for obtaining the current center axis can be calculated from the equation (17). In order to calculate A1 and B2, the image movement amount W1 when X = Y = 0 and the image movement amount W2 when X = X1 ≠ 0 and Y = 0 are detected in equation (17). That is,

(Equation 21)
W1 = A2 (21)

(Equation 22)
W2 = A2 + B2X1 (22)
From this, equation (20) becomes

It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, the term of −1 / (W2−W1) in the equation (23) is defined as η. When η is rewritten,

It becomes.

(Example 5)
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of fully automatic axis adjustment. The fully automatic axis adjustment in the present embodiment means that the stage 15 is driven at a predetermined timing, the adjustment pattern 16 is positioned immediately below the electron beam, and after setting the magnification and imaging from the pattern information, for example, astigmatism correction This is to automatically perform control including a series of operations of adjusting the X direction of the aligner 53, adjusting the Y direction of the astigmatism corrector 53, and adjusting the objective lens aligner 51. The adjustment order of the astigmatism aligner 53 and the objective lens aligner 51 is determined by the arrangement of the lenses in the electron optical system. In the case of the electron optical system as shown in FIG. 1, if the axis adjustment is performed by the astigmatism aligner 53 after the adjustment by the objective lens aligner 51, the optical axis with respect to the objective lens may be shifted again. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust in order from the optical element located closer to the cathode. Conversely, in the case of an electron optical system in which the objective lens and the astigmatism corrector are arranged in this order when viewed from the cathode, it is desirable to adjust the objective lens aligner and the astigmatism corrector aligner in this order.

  In the description of this embodiment, an adjustment pattern different from the sample is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the axis is adjusted using a specific pattern on the sample 10 (semiconductor wafer or the like) to be observed. Also good.

  Details of the fully automatic axis adjustment processing flow will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and the automatic axis adjustment condition setting screen 500 of FIG. FIG. 12 is displayed on the image display device 26 as a screen for setting one condition of a recipe file in which automatic driving conditions are registered. The user sets automatic axis adjustment conditions on this screen and starts automatic operation. The processing flow for fully automatic axis adjustment when executing automatic operation will be described below.

  In step 4001 of FIG. 11, pattern information registered in advance in the storage device 41 is read, and the shift amount is calculated from the magnification. Moreover, based on the measurement mode described in the previous embodiment, ε and η are initialized as necessary. As the pattern information used for the axis adjustment, by selecting the adjustment pattern flag 502 or the wafer pattern flag 503, it is determined whether to use the adjustment pattern 16 on the stage or the pattern on the wafer. When the wafer pattern flag 503 is selected, the pattern stage coordinates, the sample image acquisition magnification, and the number of frames for acquiring the sample image are input from the numerical value input windows 504, 505, and 506, respectively. When the adjustment pattern flag 502 is selected, the stage coordinates, the magnification, and the number of frames stored in advance in the storage device 41 are set in the respective numerical value input windows. Note that the number of frames set in step 4001 is the number of scan image integrations for forming a pattern image. In this embodiment, 16 sample images are integrated to obtain a single pattern image.

  In step 4002, the stage coordinates 504 are extracted from the pattern information and moved to the pattern position. When the adjustment pattern flag 502 on the stage is selected, the stage is moved so that the axis adjustment pattern 16 is positioned immediately below the electron beam. A current value supplied from the scanning coil control power supply 24 to the scanning coil 9 is set according to the magnification input from the numerical value input window 505 during the movement.

  In step 4003, it is determined whether or not the automatic focus adjustment execution flag 501 is ON / OFF, and if it is ON, automatic focusing is executed. In S4004, the image for the number of frames input from the numerical value input window 506 is integrated to form a sample image. In step 4005, if an ON instruction is given to the astigmatism correction aligner (X direction) adjustment flag 507, adjustment of the astigmatism correction aligner (X direction) (steps 2001 to 2012, steps 3001 to 3006) is executed. . In step 4006, if an ON instruction is issued to the astigmatism correction aligner (Y direction) adjustment flag (508), the astigmatism correction aligner (Y direction) is adjusted (steps 2001 to 2012, steps 3001 to 3006). Execute. In this adjustment, if the detection of the shift amount fails and the automatic focus adjustment execution flag 501 is OFF, another attempt is made after focusing.

  In step 4007, if the objective lens aligner adjustment flag 509 is ON, adjustment of the objective lens aligner (steps 2001 to 2012, steps 3001 to 3006) is executed. In step 4008, if the three-point measurement mode flag 511a is selected, ε is stored in the storage device 41, and η is stored in the computer 40. When the two-point measurement mode flag 511b or the one-point measurement mode flag 511c is selected, η is stored in the computer 40.

  In this embodiment, each measurement mode is selected based on a predetermined flag. However, in which mode the axis adjustment is performed is determined depending on, for example, the state of the image movement W1 calculated in step 2002 ( For example, when the image movement W1 is large, calculation based on many images may be performed). Further, the mode may be selected not only based on image movement but also from other information obtained by comparing two images. In this way, not only the operator's instruction but also the measurement mode to be used may be automatically selected. That is, the selection means for selecting the calculation method of the present invention is not limited to the one set in advance by the operator as described in the previous embodiment, but a calculation method for calculating the shift amount based on the evaluation of the image. It may be something that changes automatically. In step 4009, when the automatic astigmatism flag 510 is ON, automatic astigmatism is performed.

  When automatic axis adjustment is executed in automatic operation, it is normally executed with all the flags (501, 507, 508, 509, 510) turned ON. When moving to a predetermined pattern position, the height of the sample may deviate from the focus position adjusted before the movement. If the axis adjustment is performed in this shifted state, the image shift is detected by a pattern in a blurred image that is out of focus, but the accuracy of the axis adjustment deteriorates. However, auto focus is performed as in this embodiment. Thereafter, this problem can be solved by detecting the image shift.

  Further, in the three axis adjustments of the astigmatism aligner (X and Y directions) and the objective lens aligner, it is difficult to determine which aligner is shifted unless the operator is originally skilled. For this reason, even when the axes are manually adjusted, almost all the axes are adjusted. According to the embodiment of the present invention, (a) focus adjustment (autofocus), (b) axis adjustment for the astigmatism corrector (axis adjustment by the first alignment deflector), (c) axis adjustment (first adjustment for the objective lens) 2) (axis adjustment by the alignment deflector 2) and (d) astigmatism correction, the optical adjustment is automatically performed in the most appropriate order, so that the axis adjustment can be performed with high accuracy and high throughput. .

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, if the recipe setting items are arranged in the actual optical system adjustment order, the recipe can be set while imagining the actual adjustment performed in the electron optical system. There is an effect of becoming.

  Further, if the image used in each measurement mode described in the previous embodiment and this embodiment is stored in real time or in the image memory 25 and then displayed on the image display device 26, the axis adjustment is properly performed. It is possible to visually confirm whether or not this is being performed. For example, when the axis adjustment is performed in a state where the focal point is clearly out of focus, the image display device 26 displays a blurred image with a defocused state. It becomes possible to judge.

(Example 6)
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic processing flow of automatic astigmatism after execution of automatic axis adjustment. The process is divided into three major steps (first step: steps 6001 to 6003, second step: steps 6004 to 6006, third step: steps 6007 to 6009). In the first step, the normal focus position of the objective lens is set. In the second step, the optimum value of the astigmatism corrector (X direction) is set. In the third step, the optimum value of the astigmatism corrector (Y direction) is set.

  In step 6001, the initial value R0 of the objective lens control value is determined by the width ΔR determined as the current value R. The initial value is obtained by R0 = R−ΔR / 2. In step 6002, an image is captured while increasing the initial value R0 of the objective lens control value by a predetermined width dR. dR is calculated by dR = ΔR / N, where N is an evaluation score. The captured image is transferred to the image processing device 27 and an evaluation value is calculated. The evaluation value is obtained in four directions of 0 ° direction, 90 ° direction, 45 ° direction, and 135 ° direction, and the above processing is performed from R0 to R0 + ΔR.

  In step 6003, an average of these four control values for obtaining the maximum control value of the objective lens in each direction from the evaluation values calculated for N points in each of the four directions is set as an optimum value in the objective lens. In step 6004, an initial value S0 of the control value of the astigmatism corrector (X direction) is determined based on the current value S and a predetermined width ΔS. The initial value is obtained by S0 = S−ΔS / 2. In step 6005, the image is captured while increasing by a predetermined width dS from the initial value S0 of the control value of the astigmatism corrector (X direction). dS is obtained by dS = ΔS / N, where N is the evaluation score. The captured image is transferred to the image processing device 27 and an evaluation value is calculated. As the evaluation value, the signal amount of the entire image (for example, the sum of differential images) is obtained. The above processing is executed from S0 to S0 + ΔS.

  In step 6006, among the evaluation values calculated for N points, the control value that maximizes the evaluation value is set as the optimum value in the astigmatism corrector (X direction). In steps 6007 to 6009, processing equivalent to steps 6004 to 6006 is performed for the astigmatism corrector (Y direction).

  According to this method, it is possible to detect the correct focus position for the image including the astigmatism in the first step, and automatic astigmatism can be executed with the image set with the normal focus position. Conversely, if the first step is executed after the second step and the third step, astigmatism is performed with an image that is not at the normal focus position, and it becomes difficult to obtain an optimum astigmatism correction value.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cathode, 2 ... First anode, 3 ... Second anode, 4 ... Primary electron beam, 5 ... First convergent lens, 6 ... Second convergent lens, 7 ... Objective lens, 8 ... Diaphragm plate, 9 ... Scanning coil DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sample, 11 ... Orthogonal electromagnetic field (EXB) generator for secondary signal separation, 12 ... Secondary signal, 13 ... Detector for secondary signal, 14a ... Signal amplifier, 15 ... Stage, 16 ... For axis adjustment Pattern: 20 ... High-voltage control power supply, 21 ... First convergent lens control power supply, 22 ... Second convergent lens control power supply, 23 ... Objective lens control power supply, 24 ... Scanning coil control power supply, 25 ... Image memory, 26 ... Image display device , 27 ... Image processing device, 31 ... Aligner control power supply for objective lens, 32 ... Control power supply for astigmatism corrector, 33 ... Aligner control power supply for astigmatism corrector, 40 ... Computer, 41 ... Storage device, 42 ... Input device, 51 ... Arra for objective lens Trainer, 52 ... stigmator, 53 ... astigmatism correction aligner.

Claims (6)

A charged particle source;
An optical element for adjusting the charged particle beam emitted from the charged particle source;
In a charged particle beam apparatus including an alignment deflector that adjusts the axis of the optical element,
Means for changing the condition of the optical element to at least two;
When the condition of the alignment deflector is changed to at least two states, a deviation between two image patterns obtained when the condition of the optical element is changed under each alignment deflection condition is detected. Means,
Based on the input of the at least two deviations, a coefficient indicating the state of the alignment deflector is obtained, and the deflection condition of the alignment deflector is determined by calculation using an arithmetic expression indicating the relationship between the coefficient and the condition of the alignment deflector. A charged particle beam apparatus comprising means for adjusting the alignment deflector using the deflection condition of the alignment deflector obtained by the calculation. In claim 1,
The means for detecting the shift detects at least a shift amount W1 when the condition of the alignment deflector is the first condition and a shift amount W2 when the condition of the alignment deflector is the second condition. A charged particle beam apparatus characterized by that. In claim 2,
The means for adjusting the alignment deflector obtains a coefficient η indicating the state of the alignment deflector based on the calculation of η = −1 / (W2−W1), and the relationship between the η and the condition of the alignment deflector. A charged particle beam apparatus that calculates a deflection amount of the alignment deflector based on an arithmetic expression indicating a relationship. In claim 2,
The charged particle beam apparatus characterized in that the means for detecting the shift detects a shift amount W3 of the center of gravity when the condition of the alignment deflector is a third condition. In claim 4,
The means for adjusting the alignment deflector obtains a coefficient ε indicating the state of the alignment deflector based on the calculation of ε = (W3−W2) / (W2−W1). A charged particle beam apparatus characterized in that a deflection amount of the alignment deflector is calculated based on an arithmetic expression indicating a relationship with a condition. In claim 3 or claim 5,
The means for adjusting the alignment deflector is
X + jε · Y = | ΔA1 | · η · W1,
X, Y: alignment correction value,
ΔA1: Shift amount of the signal supplied to the alignment deflector,
A charged particle beam device characterized by calculating