An inspection apparatus and a semiconductor device manufacturing method
using the same. The inspection apparatus is used for defect inspection,
line width measurement, surface potential measurement or the like of a
sample such as a wafer. In the inspection apparatus, a plurality of
charged particles is delivered from a primary optical system to the
sample, and secondary charged particles emitted from the sample are
separated from the primary optical system and introduced through a
secondary optical system to a detector. Irradiation of the charged
particles is conducted while moving the sample. Irradiation spots of the
charged particles are arranged by N rows along a moving direction of the
sample and by M columns along a direction perpendicular thereto. Every
row of the irradiation spots of the charged particles is shifted
successively by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to
the moving direction of the sample.