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Materials Science
Scanning Electron Microscope Learning Center
SEM resources including webinars, blog posts, recorded demos, case studies, and more.
Scanning electron microscopy advantages
Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM) has developed into a critical tool within numerous different research fields, spanning everything from materials science to forensics to industrial manufacturing. As soon as microscopic information about the surface or near-surface region of a specimen is needed, SEM becomes a necessary tool by allowing more of a specimen to be in focus at one time. For that reason, the method finds applications in nearly every branch of science, technology, and industry.
Scanning electron microscopy learning center
This learning center was created to connect researchers around the world with the latest information on scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our comprehensive learning center will help users answer questions about our comprehensive portfolio of floor-model and desktop SEMs by answering questions about and proving usable data by combining high-resolution imaging and analysis across scales and modes. The content you will find contains rich and reliable information designed for new and experienced researchers who are exploring the capabilities of SEM. Via the learning center you will be able to learn about SEM at your own pace. Our technical experts are here to support you every step of the way.
Scanning Electron Microscopes
Since the introduction of electron microscopes in the 1930s, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has developed into a critical tool within numerous different research fields, spanning everything from materials science to forensics to industrial manufacturing. As soon as microscopic information about the surface or near-surface region of a specimen is needed, SEM becomes a necessary tool. For that reason, the method finds applications in nearly every branch of science, technology, and industry.
Phenom Desktop SEMs
Desktop SEM instruments boast enhanced ease of use, democratizing SEM technology. Additionally, they have the added benefit of a reduced frame size. While traditional “floor model” SEM instrumentation can require a specialized room or facility, desktop instrumentation is far more robust. Some have even taken their desktop SEMs on the road, providing on-site electron microscopy analysis via mobile laboratories.
Scanning electron microscopy webinars
SEM is helping researchers unlock some of the world’s greatest material and structural mysteries. Recent advancements to workflows and instruments enable scientists to expand their labs’ capabilities in a variety of application areas.
Automate Your Quality Control
Automation is rapidly improving quality control—with fast, reproducible results. It’s saving time and money, allowing quality managers to quickly adjust their production process before costly failures and delays occur. In this on-demand webinar, we show how you can improve the quality control process with the next generation in automated desktop analysis.
Speakers: Alexander Bouman
Key learning objectives:
- Obtain the quality information you need to discover failures early and rapidly adjust your production process when needed.
- Automate quality control to process a high volume of samples with fewer chances of human error. (We have both a customized and standard solution, depending on the need.)
- Get up to speed quickly with an all-new, easy-to-learn interface ideal for a wide range of applications.
Particle Analysis Applications Using Desktop SEM Webinar Series
The Thermo Scientific Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) is a multi-purpose desktop SEM designed for multiple applications at the microscale: additive manufacturing, technical cleanliness, steel manufacturing QC, batteries and energy storage, and gunshot residue analysis. A versatile solution for high-quality, in-house analysis, the Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM gives you the ability to carry out speedy characterization, verification, and classification of materials, supporting your production with fast, accurate, and trusted data. The system is simple to operate and fast to learn, opening up particle, material, and failure analysis to a wider group of users. In each webinar, our expert will focus on one particular analysis application and how the Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM overcomes some of the most common challenges.
Speakers: Luigi Raspolini, Rogier Miltenburg
Selecting the Scanning Electron Microscope that meets your needs
It is a good time to be in the market for a scanning electron microscope (SEM): new products and new accessories are launched every year and there are many levels of performance to choose from. But where to start? For researchers in academia or industrial R&D, it is important to match the SEM capabilities to the needs of the lab and its users. This webinar explains how different applications translate to requirements for different features and specifications on the SEM. We’ll then show how these features are represented on the line-up of full-size Thermo Scientific SEMs.
Speaker: Daniel Phifer
Phenom Pro(X) G6 Desktop SEM
The Thermo Scientific Phenom Pro(X) G6 Desktop SEM is a robust, versatile, and effortless desktop scanning electron microscope designed to expand the capabilities of research facilities. Its fool-proof sample preparation and handling produce unparalleled time to data. When compared to the more common tungsten filament electron sources, its CeB6 electron source is longer lasting with higher brightness. This newest generation offers fast, high-resolution imaging, and the ProX model also features an integrated energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS) detector for elemental analysis.
Speaker: Alexander Bouman
Introducing the Phenom Perception Gunshot Residue (GSR) Desktop SEM
Scanning electron microscopes in forensic and crime laboratories play many roles, including gunshot residue analysis (GSR) used to determine the chemistry of particles collected from firearm suspects. These analyses frequently run for several hours and prevent other SEM uses. The ideal solution is a dedicated and cost-effective desktop SEM for GSR analysis such as the Thermo Scientific Phenom Perception GSR Desktop SEM. In this webinar, we detail the Phenom Perception GSR software workflow used in compliance with ASTM and ENFSI guidelines. The webinar covers the accuracy of the instrument and outlines the critical requirements for an effective SEM for gunshot residue analysis. We show how users can collect results from up to 30 samples in a defined recipe, scan each sample frame-by-frame, measure particle morphology at high magnification and examine each particle to classify via EDS. We also review an important step in revisiting the sample to confirm the chemistry of the GSR particle. Afterwards, the user generates a report to be presented as solid evidence. Maximum efficiency with minimal effort.
Speakers: Jeroen Smulders, Rogier Miltenburg
Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM – Quality Starts at the Microscale
Several industries use standardized expressions of cleanliness in the detection of contamination in fuels, greases and oils, coolants, and hydraulic fluids. Detection and classification of these contaminants mitigates harmful scratching or blockages in gears, nozzles, and other spray mechanisms.
Additive manufacturing requires careful examination of feedstocks—particularly when recycled powders are used—to assure the integrity of printed materials and to maintain batch-to-batch consistency.
The Thermo Scientific Phenom ParticleX TC and Phenom ParticleX AM Desktop SEMs provide the perfect platform for the routine inspection of materials when the identification and reporting of particle sizes, shapes, and elemental chemistry are critical to manufacturing operations.
Speaker: Alexander Bouman
New Phenom ParticleX Steel Desktop SEM
The Thermo Scientific Phenom ParticleX Steel Desktop SEM provides high-quality imaging and elemental analysis of steel samples to aid in the production of high-value steels. It generates both SEM and EDS data, providing structural and elemental analysis of the sample. Watch our on-demand webinar to learn more about: industry-specific software and automation designed specifically for inclusion analysis in metallurgic samples, small footprint, which allows it be added to any analytical lab without the need to adjust facility infrastructure, easy-to-use interface and sample loading that allow you to begin using the instrument with minimal training, and high-quality, in-house SEM quality control.
Discover how DSM Improved their Material Research with a Desktop SEM
One of the key competence centers in R&D at DSM is DSM Ahead, located in Geleen, The Netherlands. The research center supports most of DSM’s business entities, including Engineering Plastics, Dyneema, Resins and Nutritional Products. In this case study, DSM addresses how to improve filtration performance with the use of a Phenom desktop SEM, create system accessibility of detailed investigations for all divisions, and analyze samples with ease of use by its operators.
In this case study, DSM addresses how to:
- Improve filtration performance with the use of Phenom desktop SEM
- Create system accessibility of detailed investigations for all divisions
- Analyze samples with ease of use by its operators
Desktop SEM in the Production of Porcelain Floor Tile
At Mosa, an international porcelain tile manufacturer, the quality control of their floor tile production is crucial. Their unique process for producing the tiles delivers industry-leading performance, achieving minimum porosity and maximum surface hardness. Download this case study and discover how Mosa integrated the Phenom Desktop SEM as an essential tool in their R&D processes by looking at the materials composition in early production stages.
Discover How GMSI Advanced Their Materials Development with a Desktop SEM
Is it true that as a lab operator, you work under constant time pressure? Do you find it challenging to deliver output quickly, while maintaining a high standard of quality? Then it is good to know that desktop SEM can help you with that challenge. But we do not want you to take our word for it. We would rather let a real user elaborate on the applications. One of those users is our customer Peter Guercio, President of Graphite Machining Services & Innovations (GMSI). In this case study, Peter explains how GMSI sped up their working process with a Phenom ProX EDS on site, the company no longer needs to send samples out for testing and wait for results, the Phenom ProX Desktop SEM proved to be a huge time-saver, and greatly benefitted their quality-control.
Measuring Thrombin Activity at Synapse with the Desktop SEM
Coagulation of blood is a complicated and critical process. At the Maastricht University and Synapse spin-off fundamental research is taking place and practical detection methods are being developed for thrombosis and bleeding. A good snapshot of the clotting helps researchers to gain a better grasp of the phenomenon. The case study addresses the use of the Phenom desktop SEM combined with the FiberMetric software application for detection of thrombosis.
Research on the Structure of Nonwoven Textiles at Technical University Liberec with the Desktop SEM
The Department of Nonwovens at the Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic, runs courses in production technology, evaluation of nonwovens, and innovative methods in nonwoven textile production and technical textiles. Research activities involve the testing and analysis of the structure of nonwoven textiles. The case study addresses the use of the Phenom desktop SEM combined with the FiberMetric software application to improve the work flow and research programs.
Aiming at Phenomenal Cleanliness
In the high-tech systems industry, the trend is for components, such as vacuum systems, to be cleaner and cleaner. Customers no longer tolerate even the smallest dust particles. However, in order to get rid of them, producers must first be able to see them. The latest Phenom tabletop model electron microscope can detect particles down to one ten thousandth of a millimeter. The case study addresses how it can help VDL to improve its work process.
Tracking Failures with Desktop SEM
Every year, the Materials and Failure Analysis department at the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid deals with over 1,000 cases of failure and the identification of material characteristics. To do this, it makes use of all customary methods of plastics analysis. This case study outlines some of the applications and explains how the Phenom ProX Desktop SEM allows researchers at the institute investigate various plastic materials without extensive sample preparations.
Monitoring Pharmaceutical Products with Desktop SEM
The case study shows how the Phenom desktop SEM helps Johnson & Johnson to improve analysis.
"With this piece of technology one is not dependent anymore of a skilled operator, neither does one need to invest in an expensive high end SEM apparatus”
~ Arjen Tinke, Ph.D. – Principal Scientist Particle Characterization, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development
Ultrafast Photonics Research at Newport Corporation with Desktop SEM
Newport Corporation specializes in the production of three-dimensional microfabrication using two-photon polymerization (TPP). TPP is a printing technique that allows for true three-dimensional writing of polymeric microstructures with feature sizes as small as 100 nm. This case study addresses the use of the Phenom desktop SEM to image ablated structures on the micro and nanoscale. Download the free copy to read more.
Microbiological Research, UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands
The Department of Medical Microbiology of UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands, is responsible for the diagnostics of infectious diseases (bacteriology, virology, serology, mycology and parasitology). Discover the challenge for the Department of Medical Microbiology, why desktop SEM, the solution and results.
White paper: How Mature is Your Steel Analysis?
Download this informative white paper to see how the Phenom ParticleX Steel Desktop SEM is your answer to better inclusion analysis of steels.
eBook: Automated Desktop SEM Analysis
Read this e-book to learn how to automate your quality control process today to reduce costs and increase output. Topics covered include: reasons to automate, levels of automation, and barriers and solutions.
Brochure: Scanning Electron Microscopes
The widest range of SEM solutions for all your surface characterization needs.
Brochure: Scanning electron microscopy for lithium battery research
Over the years, scanning electron microscopy has become a powerful tool in many different research fields. The main reason for this growth in popularity is the continuously shrinking dimensions of the materials used in various applications. Thermo Scientific Phenom desktop scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) have been created to make the detailed imaging capabilities of electron microscopy available to everyone by featuring enhanced ease of use. Do you want to unlock the power of scanning electron microscopy without compromising on usability? Read our Phenom desktop SEM blogs to enhance your knowledge of SEM and find out how our instruments can optimally support your research.
Reduce Scrap In-House Scanning Electron Microscopy
Learn how in-house scanning electron microscopy can help you more efficiently analyze the quality of conversion coatings and reduce wasted time and materials.
SEM and TEM: What's the Difference?
We briefly describe the similarities and differences between the two main types of electron microscopes: TEMs (transmission electron microscopes) and SEMs (scanning electron microscopes).
SEM: Electron Types
We describe the different types of electrons that are produced in a SEM, how they are detected, and the type of information they provide.
SEM Magnification
We clarify magnification in scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and focus on other parameters that can describe better how big an object is represented.
Principles of Scanning Electron Microscopy
We answer the questions: “How does an electron lens work? Which kinds of lenses exist? How are lenses combined to form an electron column?” We also provide a general insight into the working principles of an electron column.
Electron Beam Damage
We clarify what can cause sample degradation and how you can slow down the degradation process.
Electron Beam Energy
We explain the effects of voltage on the results of electron microscopy analysis.
Nanoparticle SEM Images
We clarify the use of precise monitoring, characterization of particles, and how scanning electron microscopy can prove to be a valuable characterization method.
SEM Sample Preparation
We explain how to easily improve results by following simple, yet powerful, sample preparation techniques for SEM.
SEM Cell Images
We offer insights into recent projects involving scanning electron microscopes in cell biology applications.
Best Practices for Failure Analysis with SEM
We demonstrate the best practices for failure analysis using scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), which are powerful tools for many failure analysis applications because they reveal micro- and nanometer-scale structural details.
Advantages of Scanning Electron Microscopes
We answer the question: "Why was micro analysis so slow?" And we discuss the improvements in scanning electron microscope speed that are enabling rapid, automated SEM EDS analysis.
SEM for Failure Analysis
We examine key failure analysis SEM applications for devices and materials, explaining how an SEM can boost performance and analysis capabilities.
Quality Control with Scanning Electron Microscopes
We reveal the benefits of automated quality control, examining the pros from both an automated quality control system and an automated quality control inspection perspective.
Differences Between SEMs and Optical Microscopes
We examine two key methods, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing the benefits each technique brings and explaining their operation and differing application areas.
What is Scanning Electron Microscopy?
We focus on different hardware components SEMs use to produce images of a sample and how they are capable of resolution better than one nanometer.
Cleanliness testing using scanning electron microscopes
We examine how scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can determine the nature of contaminant particles, easily enabling compliance with ISO 16232 and VDA 19 industry standards.
SEM for failure analysis and quality control
We examine a selection of SEM failure analysis and quality control systems, investigating the best SEMs for these applications. We explain how you can meet today’s demands for fast and accurate quality control and SEM failure analysis without compromising on the quality of your measurements and the depth of the resulting information.
Quality control with scanning electron microscopy
We reveal how you can improve your in-house quality control with SEM. We explain how a scanning electron microscope gives you the ability to carry out speedy analysis, verification, and chemical classification of materials, while providing fast, accurate, and trusted data.
Types of scanning electron microscopes
For lab managers, choosing the right SEM for your facility can seem confusing. There are a lot of different factors to take into account. We examine one of your most fundamental decision points: Should I opt for a floor-model SEM or a desktop SEM?
Scanning electron microscope manufacturers
When comparing scanning electron microscope manufacturers, it’s important to assess each on the quality of their machines, areas of expertise, and the level of support they can provide. We examine which is the best for your lab.
Scanning Electron Microscopy for Technical Cleanliness
We explain the principles behind the international standard ISO 16232 and the German VDA 19 standard.
Types of Scanning Electron Microscopes
We reveal how you can meet a range of scanning electron microscope specifications.
Scanning Electron Microscope Applications
We discuss quality assurance and quality control applications of scanning electron microscopes.
SEM Resolution
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a critical tool in a broad range of research fields. SEM resolution can be anywhere between less than one nanometer and up to tens of nanometers. So, what is the best option for your material science lab?
Automated Quality Control Coatings
In this blog, we describe and analyze how automated tools combined with SEMs can be helpful in quality checking phosphate coatings.
Phenom Pharos G2 SEM Demonstration
The Thermo Scientific Phenom Pharos G2 Desktop SEM progresses nanomaterial research by delivering high resolutions and a wide acceleration voltage range, all in a desktop system that can fit within a lab or office. From more advanced textiles and food packaging to improved solar and wind energy, this easy-to-use instrument supports rapid innovation for a wide range of industries. The Phenom Pharos G2 Desktop SEM is intuitive to operate and highly productive, making it a versatile instrument for high-volume industrial and academic labs.
Phenom ParticleX AM demo
Take in-house control of your data. Monitor critical characteristics of metal powders. Apply to your powder-bed and powder-fed additive manufacturing processes. Identify particle size distributions, individual particle morphology, and foreign particles. The Phenom ParticleX AM Desktop SEM is equipped with a chamber that allows the analysis of large samples up to 100 mm x 100 mm. A proprietary venting/loading mechanism ensures the fastest vent/load cycle in the world, providing the highest throughput.
Discover the Phenom Perception GSR Desktop SEM
Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis plays an important role in the determination if a firearm has been used in a crime. Established GSR analysis techniques are based on the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which is used to scan the sample and find suspect GSR particles. If a suspect particle is found, an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique is used to identify the elements in that particle. The Thermo Scientific Phenom Perception GSR Desktop SEM is the only dedicated SEM specifically designed for gunshot residue analysis. Because the system is automated, it enables you to speed up the analysis process. With no need to change your settings each time, you can immediately focus on the task at hand.
Phenom Pharos G2 Desktop FEG-SEM
The Thermo Scientific Phenom Pharos G2 FEG-SEM provides high-resolution imaging of a variety of materials on an efficient and easy-to-use tabletop system.
Phenom XL G2 product demo video
Product Development Engineer Luigi Raspolini explains everything what's new on the Thermo Scientific Phenom XL G2 - The versatile desktop SEM that automates quality control. From sample loading until automating your workflow. And from imaging until analysis. Now even easier thanks to the new user interface - Free up more time, to add more value.
Demo of Phenom Particle X TC Desktop SEM
A versatile solution for high-quality, in-house analysis, the Phenom ParticleX Desktop SEM gives you the ability to carry out speedy characterization, verification and classification of materials, supporting your production with fast, accurate and trusted data. The system is simple to operate and fast to learn, opening up particle and material analysis to a wider group of users.
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