The Three Types of Electron Microscope

An electron microscope is a different type of microscope in that it allows a person to see microscope images magnified up to two million times. This is in contrast to the best of the light microscopes, which limit a person’s ability to see images magnified up to only two thousand times.

Fortunately, for those folks who require electron microscopes to do their job, they have a wide range of types to choose from and each is completely different from the other.

There are three types of electron microscopes -

• Transmission electron microscope
• Scanning electron microscope
• Scanning tunneling electron microscope

The father of these three types of microscopes is the transmission electron or TEM, as it is often referred to. It transmits electrons through a small slice of a specimen in order for the image to be seen. These types of microscopes are great for seeing inside the cells of beings on the planet. Much has been learnt by using these microscopes for viewing all types of various cells.
The two other types of the electron microscope, namely the scanning tunneling and the scanning are two very in depth types of microscopes that are used to view specimens. Both use atoms and electrons to view items, but the tunneling microscope creates a tunneling current between the tip of the microscope and the actual electrons in order to create an image. The scanning microscope on the other hand can make a 3D image that can make looking at cells and other minute specimens simpler and more in depth than ever experienced before.

Various types of the electron microscope are available for folks to view specimens. These types of microscopes are great to view items, such as cells that folks once thought would never be seen by humans. Thanks to great technology, these specimens can be viewed in three dimensions, which can offer folks more wiggle room in order to study and learn the ins and outs of these specimens. Making strides in helping folks has never been more simple thanks to the invention of the many types of electron microscopes that are on the market today.

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.