Systems and methods for analyzing a sample using charged particle beams and active pixel control sensors

Abstract

Systems and methods taught herein utilize a single detector to provide both unidimensional data (e.g., for direct topographical imaging) and multidimensional data (e.g., for crystallographic data) for a sample that is interrogated with a charged particle beam. In some examples, unidimensional data can include signal intensity due to backscattered electrons received across the entire detector surface while multidimensional data can include signal intensity due to backscattered electrons as a function of pixel position. By obtaining unidimensional data and multidimensional data from a single detector, the unidimensional data and multidimensional data can be obtained at a same location, at a same time, or both at the same location and same time.