MyScope
training for advanced research

Glossary terms about Microscope

Microscope

A microscope is an instrument that can be used to see objects, or features of objects, that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

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Microscope

A microscope is an instrument that can be used to see objects, or features of objects, that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

An instrument which scans or rasters a fine electron probe over a material, and using a variety of detectors reconstructs an image from the signals generated within the sample.

Cryo-scanning electron microscope (Cryo-SEM)

A conventional SEM that has been fitted with specific equipment that allows samples to be viewed in the frozen state.

Low Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscope (LV-SE)

A scanning electron microscope in which pressure can be adjusted in the sample chamber.

Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM)

A scanning electron microscope in which relative humidity, pressure and temperature can be controlled in the sample chamber.

14 pages mention Microscope

Additional material

F. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy in the electron microscope (2nd ed. 

Applications and practical uses - what the TEM can do

The transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to examine the structure, composition, and properties of specimens in submicron detail. 

Background information - What is transmission electron microscopy?

A transmission electron microscope (TEM) is an analytical tool allowing visualisation and analysis of specimens in the realms of microspace (1 micron/1μm = 10-6m) to nanospace (1 nanometer/nm = 10-9m). 

Detectors

One of the most common detectors seen on a transmission electron microscope is the x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS or EDX) system. 

Frequently asked questions

Step-by-step procedures for using TEMs  

Images from electrons

The tissue was chemically fixed, mounted on a grid, sectioned with a room-temperature ultramicrotome and the section was stained and viewed.  

Introduction - aims and learning outcomes

to develop routines for preparing samples for investigation; and how to work safely in an electron microscope laboratory. 

Lenses: electromagnetic lenses

 

Machine operating procedures

The following provide examples of the actual steps used in one electron microscope laboratory for some TEMs. 

Parts of the machine

The typical transmission electron microscope laboratory contains a machine with these components:  

Problems with lenses: aberrations

There are at least 10 kinds of defects for electromagnetic lenses but we will emphasize the ones that limit microscope performance in substantial ways. 

Resolution

Unless a microscope is equipped to deliver higher resolution images, higher magnification will only achieve 'empty' images. 

Using the JEM-1010 Transmission Electron Microscope for physical science material

With camera in, at a magnification of above 100,000x undertake the following: Check to see that the objective lens current is correct (page 6 on microscope computer screen). 

Using the JEM-1010 Transmission Electron Microscope for thin resin sections of biological material

With camera in, at around 50,000 to 80,000 mag undertake the following: Check to see that the objective lens current is correct (page 6 on microscope computer screen).