Electron Microscope Essay

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Electron Microscope An electron microscope is a microscope that uses a beam of electrons rather than light. Electron microscopes have a much better resolution than standard optical microscopes . This is because the wavelength of visible light is very long and so generates an image of poor resolution. Electron microscopes however achieve much higher levels of resolution because of the very short wavelength of the electron bean which is used. The electron beam is negatively charged and so electromagnets can be used to focus the image this allows a greater level of precision than would be available in a normal optical microscope when trying to focus the image. Electron microscopes can resolve objects that are 0.1 nm apart which is 2000 times more than you can resolve with a standard optical microscope. Because the electrons which are used in the EM microscope are deflected by particles in the air the microscope has to be kept at a near vacuum state in order for a useful image to be seen. EM microscopes also require the object that is being magnified to be dead whereas optical microscopes can view live cells and hence show process of what is happening rather than just a freeze frame. Electron microscopes also cost a significant amount of money to buy and maintain. It is also possible for electron microscopes to have artefacts which are structural details caused by the preparation of the specimen. TEM Transmission Electron Microscope A beam of electrons is passed through a thin object. Some areas absorb the electrons and others don’t allowing an image to be created. Can’t be done on living specimens. A complex staining process is required even if no colour is wanted in the final image. The specimen must be extremely thin for the electrons to pass through it. It gives a flat 2 dimensional image. SEM Scanning Electron Microscope The SEM has the same limitations as

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