How Does an Electron Microscope Work?
3 days ago
- #electron microscopy
- #scientific imaging
- #microscopy technology
- Electron microscopy has revolutionized imaging at micro-, nano-, and atomic scales since the 1930s.
- Modern electron microscopes can visualize atoms in crystalline materials and 3D protein structures with atomic precision.
- Key components of an electron microscope include the electron source, electromagnetic lenses, and electron detectors.
- Electron sources can be thermionic (heated filament) or field emission (electrostatic field on a metal tip).
- Electromagnetic lenses use magnetic fields to focus and direct the electron beam.
- Detectors have evolved from camera film to digital cameras, with some offering 4k x 4k resolution.
- Modern electron microscopes are controlled via external software for optimized imaging and automation.
- Electron microscopy has advanced fields like materials science and biology by revealing molecular and atomic details.