An electron beam apparatus is provided for reliably measuring a potential contrast
and the like at a high throughput in a simple structure. The electron beam apparatus
for irradiating a sample, such as a wafer, formed with a pattern with an electron
beam to evaluate the sample comprises an electron-optical column for accommodating
an electron beam source, an objective lens, an ExB separator, and a secondary electron
beam detector; a stage for holding the sample, and relatively moving the sample
with respect to the electron-optical column; a working chamber for accommodating
the stage and capable of controlling the interior thereof in a vacuum atmosphere;
a loader for supplying a sample to the stage; a voltage applying mechanism for
applying a voltage to the sample, and capable of applying at least two voltages
to a lower electrode of the objective lens; and an alignment mechanism for measuring
a direction in which dies are arranged on the sample. When the sample is evaluated,
a direction in which the stage is moved is corrected to align with the direction
in which the dies are arranged.