Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)

How Does a Scanning Electron Microscope Work?

A scanning electron microscope (also commonly abbreviated as SEM) uses beams of electrons to create magnified images of samples, as opposed to beams of light that a traditional microscope uses. SEMs use electrons that are bounced off near the surface region of a sample. Because the wavelength of electrons is notably smaller than that of light, the resolution of SEMs is greatly superior to that of a light microscope.

What Are Scanning Electron Microscopes Used For?

Because the SEM can magnify a sample up to 500,000 times its normal size and determine its chemical makeup, scanning electron microscopes have a wide range of applications. They are used for quality control in both the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries, sample comparisons in forensics, diagnostics in medical labs, and in research labs to determine the composition of samples treated in different ways.

What Types of Scanning Electron Microscopes Are There?

Scanning electron microscopes have different kinds of signal detectors available that include back-scattered electrons (for imaging), characteristic X-rays (for determining types and amounts of elements present in the sample), transmitted electrons, and cathodoluminescence. Other variations in different scanning electron microscopes include availability of low or high vacuum mode and imaging options for bright field samples and/or dark field samples.

Check out this article "Integrated SEM Workflow Creates Powerful 'Nano-lab' " to see more ways in which SEM can be a valuable tool for your lab.


CompanyJEOL USA, Inc.JEOL USA, Inc.JEOL USA, Inc.JEOL USA, Inc.JEOL USA, Inc.
ItemJXA-iHP200F Field Emission Electron Probe Micro-AnalyzerJCM-7000 NeoScope Benchtop SEMJSM-IT210 SEMJSM-IT710 High Resolution Large Chamber SEMNeoScope™ Benchtop SEM JCM-7000
Catalog NumberJXA-iHP200FJCM-7000JSM-IT210JSM-IT710JCM-7000
Price
DescriptionResearch grade EPMA that provides both high imaging resolution and analytical resolution with a very high and stable probe current for optimum analytical performance.A new GUI provides a simplified work flow called "Easy EPMA" with built-in software and graphic-driven procedures for a broad range of... Read MoreThis 4th generation Neoscope incorporates advanced technology and functions that make it simple for users at any skill level to obtain outstanding SEM images and elemental analysis results in minutes. It is equipped with a large chamber, high and low vacuum modes, secondary and backscatter electron ... Read MoreInTouchScope™ Scanning Electron Microscope Series

The JSM-IT210 InTouchScope™ SEM Series incorporates the latest in JEOL intelligent technology and automation in a compact package.

Smart – Flexible – Powerful
  • Smart – The latest innovations with our InTouchScope™ series SEMs make them accessible at
... Read More
High Resolution Large Chamber SEM

The JSM-IT710HR Field Emission SEM is a compact, versatile Schottky Field Emission SEM that delivers the next level of intelligent technology for high spatial resolution imaging and analysis.

Our unique in-lens field emission gun and advanced electron optics
... Read More
An easy to use benchtop SEM with advanced features of full-sized SEMs. User can easily navigate from an optical image to high resolution SEM imaging and further analysis, set automatic conditions based on sample type and application, ensuring high quality results and enhanced productivity. Produces... Read More
TypeInquireInquireInquireInquireInquire
ResolutionInquireInquireHigh vacuum mode: 3.0 nm at 30 kV
Low vacuum mode: 4.0 nm at 30 kV (using Backscattered Electron Detector).
High Vacuum Mode: 1.0 nm at 20 kV, 3.0 nm at 1.0 kV.
Low Vacuum Mode: 1.8 nm at 15 kV (using Backscattered Electron Detector).
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Specimen SizeInquireInquire150 mm diameter x 53 mm height200 mm diameter, 75 mm heightInquire
Probe CurrentInquireInquire1 pA to 1 µAFew pA to 300 nAInquire
ApplicationsInquireProvides outstanding SEM images and elemental analysis results in minutesCompact stationary scanning electron microscope, embedded EDS, live analysis, heat-sensitive specimens, element mapsHigh spatial resolution imaging and analysisMaterials characterization, eds analysis, elemental analysis, SEM images
Detector(s)InquireBackscattered electron detectorSmall area EDS detectorQuadrant BSEBackscattered electron detector
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