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Electron microscopy (EM) brings imaging and analysis to a wide variety of samples across countless disciplines and industries. With EM, scientists and researchers can see the miniature micro- and nano-scale world all around us; anything from the interior of a human cell down to the arrangement of individual atoms in a metal alloy. By studying the very building blocks of matter, we broaden our understanding of ourselves, our world, and even our universe.
This page provides a variety of informational and educational resources on electron microscopy for students, educators, or anyone that simply wants to learn more about this fascinating technology.
Introduction to Electron Microscopy eBook
This downloadable booklet offers an introduction into the history, technology, and instrumentation that make up electron microscopy. Obtain an overview of how electron and ion beam microscopes work, the results they can produce, and how researchers and scientists are using this data to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.
Electron Microscopy 101
The Electron Microscopy 101 blog series, part of Accelerating Microscopy, explores the fundamentals of EM in convenient, bite-sized posts. Below are some of our most popular articles, exploring topics such as the formation of an electron beam, how it interacts with atoms, and how those interactions can tell us what we're seeing.
TEM vs. SEM: What's the difference?
The two most common types of electron microscopes are transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) systems. TEM vs. SEM - what's the difference?
EDX analysis with SEM: How does it work?
Learn how energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX or EDS analysis) with SEM enables you to obtain elemental and structural details for your samples.
The anatomy of an electron microscope
Light microscope vs. transmission electron microscope comparison with diagrams showing analogous parts between the two instruments.
History of the electron microscope
History of the electron microscope, spanning from the origins of light microscopy to modern techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy.
Life Sciences Learning Center
We’ve created the life sciences learning center to connect scientists around the world to the latest information on electron microscopy technology and to guide you to the best solution that will accelerate your next discovery or breakthrough.
Materials Science learning center
We created this learning center to connect researchers and scientists around the world and provide a variety of informational and educational resources on materials science research. Access a targeted collection of application notes, case studies, videos, webinars, and white papers covering a range of applications.
MyScope Explore: Online SEM simulator
MyScope Explore is an interactive online simulation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), featuring real sample images. It offers a range of activities and information on EM, introducing the basics of magnification as well as the general structure and function of an SEM. An optional lessons plan on hydrophobic surfaces is also available for educators, suited for students 12-18 years of age.
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Electron microscopy coloring pages
For children curious about the microscopic world around them (or simply the young at heart) these coloring pages feature several illustrations of everyday objects imaged with electron microscopy. The back of each page also includes fun facts about the nanoscale, describing the size of a nanometer relative to familiar macroscopic objects. These pages are designed to be easy-to-print handouts, ideally suited for events or for the classroom.
3D EM flyer
This concise two-page flyer features general information on transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopes as well as anaglyph 3D images recorded with SEM. See the structure of an EM column and find out why electron images are only available in black and white. Best viewed with red/blue 3D glasses!
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