One embodiment disclosed relates to an electron beam apparatus for inspection of a semiconductor wafer, wherein substantially an entire area of the wafer surface is scanned without moving the stage. A cathode ray tube (CRT) gun may be used to rapidly (and cost effectively) scan the beam over the wafer. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a high-speed automated e-beam inspector configured to scan the e-beam in one dimension while translating the wafer in a perpendicular direction. The translation may be linear, or alternatively, may be in a spiral path. Other embodiments are also disclosed.