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.
ItemNeoScope™ Benchtop SEM JCM-7000JSM-IT200 SEM InTouchScope™ Scanning Electron Microscope SeriesJSM-IT510 Analytical SEM InTouchScope™ SEM SeriesJSM-IT700HR InTouchScope™ High Resolution Large Chamber SEMJSM-IT800 Series Ultrahigh Resolution Field Emission SEM
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Catalog NumberJCM-7000JSM-IT200JSM-IT510JSM-IT700HRJSM-IT800 Series
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DescriptionAn 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 MoreCompact, versatile Scanning Electron Microscope that provides great value with high throughput, high-resolution imaging, and unsurpassed low kV performance. Analytical models include "Live View" of EDS spectra in real-time. Powerful software functionality, including automated image montaging, ... Read MoreA versatile research grade SEM with 'Zeromag' software and Live Analysis. Both high vacuum and low vacuum models are available with or without embedded EDS system. This SEM features a large sample chamber with a stage. The stage is mounted inside the chamber, enabling users to secure large, heavy ... Read MoreThe JSM-IT700HR InTouchScope™ Field Emission SEM is a compact, versatile Field Emission SEM that offers Smart-Flexible-Powerful performance at a great value. Our unique in-lens field emission gun and advanced electron optics deliver large probe currents while maintaining a small probe making this ... Read MoreThe JEOL IT800 Ultrahigh Resolution Field Emission SEM is a revolutionary FE-SEM with the most advanced high-resolution analytical technology available today. The JEOL IT800 series offers the next level of analytical intelligence for high spatial resolution imaging and analysis at the nanoscale.

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ApplicationsMaterials characterization, eds analysis, elemental analysis, SEM imagesMaterials characterization, EDS analysis, Elemental analysis, SEM imagesMaterials characterization, EDS analysis, Elemental analysis, SEM imagesMaterials characterization, EDS analysis, Elemental analysis, SEM imagesMaterials characterization, EDS analysis, Elemental analysis, SEM images
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