Desktop SEM / Portable Scanning Electron Microscope (Tabletop SEM)

A desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an instrument that can be used for image and microscopic analysis of biological or material samples. Tabletop SEMs, much like full-size scanning electron microscopes, utilize beams of electrons to scan the surface of a sample providing a 3-dimensional image. These images can reveal composition, surface shape, and other distinguishable features. Unlike conventional, large scanning electron microscopes, desktop SEMs can easily sit on a bench or table in the lab. Research applications include life science, forensics, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and material science. Desktop SEMs provide portability with reliable analysis.

Considerations for purchasing a desktop SEM:

Key specifications to note when purchasing a desktop scanning electron microscope include: resolution, total magnification, and dimensions. It is important to take into consideration that because tabletop SEMs are designed with a small and compact footprint, they contain features that are sized down resulting in resolution slightly less than a full-size SEM. Nevertheless, portable SEMs are not only useful and more cost-effective than large SEMs, but also easy to use, fast, and require less training.