Initial Operation Of A New High-Resolution Scanning Ion Microscope

Abstract

We describe the initial performance of the optical column and imaging instrumentation of a second-generation scanning ion microscope/microprobe. The instrument operates in the 20- 60 kV range and makes use of a Ga liquid metal ion source. High-quality secondary electron and ion images of conductors and insulators have been thus far obtained at 90 nm measured spot size. Ultimately the instrument is expected to perform secondary ion mass spectrometry, imaging, and microlithography functions in the 10 - 100 nm range of spot sizes.