摘要 |
One embodiment disclosed relates to an apparatus forming an electrical conduction path through an insulating layer on a surface of a substrate. A first radiation source is configured to emit radiation to a first region of the insulating layer, and a first electrical contact is configured to apply a first bias voltage to the first region. A second radiation source is configured to emit radiation to a second region of the insulating layer, and a second electrical contact is configured to apply a second bias voltage to the second region. The conductivities of the regions are increased by the radiation such that conductive paths are formed through the insulating layer at those regions. In one implementation, the apparatus may be used in an electron beam instrument. Another embodiment relates to a method of forming an electrical conduction path through an insulating layer. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |