A new type of focused ion beam column is being designed to achieve a beam s
pot size of less than 100nm. This column is compact and can be operated wit
h multiple beams to enhance the throughput for lithography applications. Th
e column has been coupled with a multicusp ion source for beam transmission
and high voltage holdup testing. The 2.5-cm long column can be used to acc
elerate different kinds of ion beams up to 45 keV.