Advantages of a Scanning Electron Microscope

A scanning electron microscope or SEM can prove to be an invaluable asset in the high tech world of research. No longer is a scientist limited to just using light microscopes in order to view their specimens.

The SEM's of today offer many advantages over their counterparts. However, they also come with a hefty price tag, but their quality of viewing is the best. By understanding the advantages, you can better determine if this type of microscope will be worth the investment.

One of the main advantages of owning a scanning electron microscope is the depth of field that it offers the researcher. For those who do not understand what depth of field is, let us explain. Depth of field is how one sees a specimen. The SEM offers the observer the chance to see a larger part of the object being studied than any other microscope. The scanning microscope is invaluable when it comes to the amount of an object that can be viewed on microscope slides. One can see an entire specimen instead of just a small part, which is what a light microscope offers.

Numerous additional advantages exist that would make choosing a scanning microscope for the laboratory a sound investment. The microscope offers exceptionally high resolution of images and this is vital in today's world of research. The microscope also offers a superior level of magnification than the majority of other microscopes. This in turn helps to ensure that the images are viewed in minute detail. This can assist in the study of a variety of viruses as well as parts of an animal or insect. Because the microscope uses electromagnets as an alternative to lenses, the user has the uncanny ability to see items at a much closer range. This can prove invaluable when studying and trying to find cures for diseases.

A scanning electron microscope is crucial to have as a piece of laboratory equipment if people are doing any type of research. The microscopes are great for seeing images "up close" that otherwise would be non-existent for the person viewing. However, they are extremely expensive, and if you are serious about owing and operating a scanning microscope, then you should definitely do your homework and decide if this type is right for your laboratory and the images to be studied.