The Zernike electrostatic phase plate (ZEPP) consisting of three ring electrodes and two insulating rings has been fabricated using Micro Electro-Mechanical System processes. The electrostatic field produced in the phase plate was measured by electrostatic force microscopy. The electrostatic field and focal length of the phase plate is calculated using electron optics principles. The comparison of the experimental electrostatic field and the theoretical calculated is discussed. Finally, we report the application of ZEPP to enhance contrast of the SiON(x)/SiO(2) interface in an NMOS semiconductor device. The quantitative analysis of the contrast enhancement versus the applied bias is discussed in detail.