Exploring the Functions of Scanning Electron Microscopes
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a transformative imaging technology that has reshaped research and industrial analysis. By harnessing an electron beam, SEMs deliver ultra-high-resolution images that reveal the intricate details of surfaces at the nanoscale—insights that conventional optical microscopes simply can’t provide. Rather than getting lost in technical details, let’s highlight the core strengths of SEM and why they’re indispensable in today’s scientific and industrial landscape. The Essentials of SEM At its simplest, an SEM uses a focused beam of electrons to probe a sample. When these electrons interact with the specimen, they generate signals that uncover critical information about surface…