Scanning Electron Micros

For decades, scanning electron microscopy has helped stretch the boundaries
of understanding of the world around us for scientists and non-scientists of all

ages. Showing magnified images of materials and objects helps bring context
to the world we all live in.
Scanning electron microscopy is an analytical testing method that captures

high resolution images of objects as small as 15 nanometers. Scanning
electron microscopy produces images by scanning samples with a focused
beam of electrons. The electrons interact with the atoms on the surface of the
sample, and collect information about the sample’s topography and
composition.
Scanning electron microscopy is used by scientists in a variety of fields to

learn more about the composition and topography of man-made and naturally
occurring materials. For instance, scanning electron microscopy has allowed
biologists to learn much more about microscopic organisms, like bacteria and
viruses, than was previously thought possible. Geologists often use scanning
electron microscopy to learn more about crystalline structures.
The high resolution images captured by scanning electron microscopy tend to

be crisp, clear and beautiful, making them a great tool for education as well as
scientific study.
SEM also has a variety of applications for business. Industries including

microelectronics, semiconductors, medical devices, general manufacturing,
insurance and litigation support, and food processing, all use scanning
electron microscopy as a way to examine the surface composition of
components and products.
Scanning electron microscopy can help businesses involved in
the development or manufacturing of products learn more about the
composition and topography of products and components. For instance, some
products, like stainless steel, must be evenly coated with special chemicals for
optimal performance. Scanning electron microscopy can help identify cracks,
imperfections, or contaminants on the surfaces of coated products.
Industries, like cosmetics, that work with tiny particles can also use
scanning electron microscopy to learn more about the shape and size of the
small particles they work with. For instance, particles that are too large or
jagged might not flow or mix as well as particles that are small and round.
Particles that are the wrong size or shape may have an impact on the
consistency or performance of the product. Scanning electron microscopy can
be used to identify problems with particle size or shape before products reach
the consumer.
Finally, industries that use small or microscopic components to create

their products often use scanning electron microscopy to examine small
components like fine filaments and thin films. If there is a problem occurring at
a microscopic level, scanning electron microscopy can be used to pinpoint the
problem and help find a solution.
THE APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICAL

USES OF SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPES
02 AUG, 2019 | SEM & IMAGING - GUIDE
Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs) are used across a number of industrial,
commercial, and research applications. From cutting edge fabrication processes to
forensic applications, there’s a diverse range of practical applications for the modern
SEM.
HOW SEMS WORK

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) uses focused beams of electrons to render high
resolution, three-dimensional images. These images provide information on:
 topography
 morphology
 composition
A schematic representation of an SEM is shown in Figure 1. Electrons are generated at

the top of the column by the electron source. They are then accelerated down the column
that is under vacuum, which helps to prevent any atoms and molecules present in the
column from interacting with the electron beam and ensures good quality imaging.
Electromagnetic lenses are used to control the path of the electrons. The condenser

defines the size of the electron beam (which defines the resolution), while the objective
lens’ main role is the focusing of the beam onto the sample. Scanning coils are used to
raster the beam onto the sample. In many cases, apertures are combined with the lenses in
order to control the size of the beam.
Different types of electrons are emitted from samples upon interacting with the electron
beam. A BackScattered Electron (BSE) detector is placed above the sample to help detect
backscattered electrons. Images show contrast information between areas with different
chemical compositions as heavier elements (high atomic number) will appear brighter.
A Secondary Electron (SE) detector is placed at the side of the electron chamber, at an
angle, in order to increase the efficiency of detecting secondary electrons which can
provide more detailed surface information.
HOW IS ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

DIFFERENT TO OPTICAL
MICROSCOPY?
The key difference between electron and optical microscopy is right there in the name.
SEMs use a beam of electrons rather than a beam of light. An electron source located at
the top of the microscope emits a beam of highly concentrated electrons.
In SEMs, there are three different types of electron sources:
 Thermionic filament – A Tungsten filament inside the microscope is heated until it emits
electrons. A Tungsten filament operates at white-hot temperatures which means it
gradually evaporates with time and eventually breaks which can contaminate the upper
part of the electron column. The average lifetime of a Tungsten source is about 100
hours, depending on the vacuum.
 Field emission gun (FEG) – Generate a strong electrical field that pulls electrons away
from their atoms. This is typically the more popular choice in SEMs as it generates high
resolution images, however it requires a vacuum design that often comes at a high price.
 Cerium Hexaboride cathode (CeB6) – provides ten times the brightness compared to
Tungsten which means a better signal-to-noise ratio and better resolution. A CeB6 source
typically provides more than fifteen times the service life of Tungsten: 1500+ hours. A
CeB6 source is used in all the desktop Phenom SEM series of instruments.

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APPLICATIONS OF SEMS
SEMs can be used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and research applications.
MATERIALS SCIENCE
SEMs are used in materials science for research, quality control and failure analysis.
In modern materials science, investigations into nanotubes and nanofibres, high

temperature superconductors, mesoporous architectures and alloy strength, all rely
heavily on the use of SEMs for research and investigation.
In fact, just about any material science industry, from aerospace and chemistry to
electronics and energy usage, have only been made possible with the help of SEMs.
NANOWIRES FOR GAS SENSING
Researchers are exploring new ways nanowires can be used as gas sensors by improving
existing fabrication methods and developing new ones. Electron microscopy is vitally
important in helping characterise nanowires and understanding their gas sensing
behaviour.
SEMICONDUCTOR INSPECTION
Reliable performance of semiconductors requires accurate topographical information.

The high resolution three dimensional images produced by SEMs offers a speedy,
accurate measurement of the composition of the semiconductor.
In fact, in just about all wafer manufacturing processes, SEMs are one of three essential
quality control tools used. In the case of repetitive daily quality control tests, larger
monitors (19 inches) have been shown to reduce visual fatigue for inspectors.
MICROCHIP ASSEMBLY
Microchip production is increasingly relying on SEMs to help gain insight into the
effectiveness of new production and fabrication methods. With smaller and smaller scales
and materials, as well as the potential of complex self assembling polymers, the high
resolution, three-dimensional capacity of SEMs is invaluable to microchip design and
production.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more prevalent in the day to day lives of
consumers and manufacturers, SEMs will continue to play an important role in the design
of low cost, low power chipsets for non-traditional computers and networked devices.
FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
Criminal and other forensic investigations utilise SEMs to uncover evidence and gain
further forensic insight. Uses include:
 analysis of gunshot residue

 jewellery examination
 bullet marking comparison
 handwriting and print analysis
 examination of banknote authenticity.
 paint particle and fibre analysis
 filament bulb analysis in traffic incidents
Since SEMs offer the ability to examine a wide range of materials at high and low
magnification without sacrificing depth of focus, their use in forensic sciences makes it
possible to draw conclusions, identify material origins and contribute to a body of
evidence in criminal and legal matters. The desktop Phenom GSR instrument is
specifically designed for automated gun shot residue analysis.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
In biological sciences, SEMs can be used on anything from insects and animal tissue to
bacteria and viruses. Uses include:
 measuring the effect of climate change of species.

 identifying new bacteria and virulent strains
 vaccination testing
 uncovering new species
 work within the field of genetics
SOIL AND ROCK SAMPLING
Geological sampling using a scanning electron microscope can determine weathering

processes and morphology of the samples. Backscattered electron imaging can be used to
identify compositional differences, while composition of elements can be provided by
microanalysis. Valid uses include:
 identification of tools and early human artefacts

 soil quality measurement for farming and agriculture
 dating historic ruins
 forensic evidence is soil quality, toxins etc.
MEDICAL SCIENCE
Broadly speaking, SEMs are used in medical science to compare blood and tissue
samples in determining the cause of illness and measuring the effects of treatments on
patients (while contributing to the design of new treatments). Common uses include:
 identifying diseases and viruses

 testing new vaccinations and medicines
 comparing tissue samples between patients in a control and test group
 testing samples over the lifespan of a patient
ART
Not all SEM applications are strictly practical. Micrographs produced by SEMs have
been used to create digital artworks. High resolution three dimensional images of various
materials create a range of diverse landscapes, image subjects are both alien and familiar.
A PRACTICAL AND USEFUL TOOL

Within the fields of industrial application and research, there is an increasing focus on
quality control at microscopic scales. Achieving high resolution imagery with a scanning
electron microscope can provide insight into many fields, making SEMs indispensable
tools across many fields.

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For decades, scanning electron microscopy has helped stretch the boundaries

of understanding of the world around us for scientists and non-scientists of all

Scanning electron microscopy is an analytical testing method that captures

Scanning electron microscopy is used by scientists in a variety of fields to

The high resolution images captured by scanning electron microscopy tend to

SEM also has a variety of applications for business. Industries including

Finally, industries that use small or microscopic components to create

THE APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICAL

HOW SEMS WORK

A schematic representation of an SEM is shown in Figure 1. Electrons are generated at

Electromagnetic lenses are used to control the path of the electrons. The condenser

HOW IS ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

In SEMs, there are three different types of electron sources:

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT ANALYTICS INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR

REQUEST FREE CONSULTATION

In modern materials science, investigations into nanotubes and nanofibres, high

NANOWIRES FOR GAS SENSING

Reliable performance of semiconductors requires accurate topographical information.

 analysis of gunshot residue

 measuring the effect of climate change of species.

SOIL AND ROCK SAMPLING

Geological sampling using a scanning electron microscope can determine weathering

 identification of tools and early human artefacts

 identifying diseases and viruses

A PRACTICAL AND USEFUL TOOL

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