We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
Here is the SEM lab. The computer that controls the SEM and processes its images is at the right. The vacuum chamber of the SEM is on the desk.

In the chamber, the electron beam is focused as it moves downward along the upper cylindrical section. The beam then enters the cubical section where samples are loaded onto a tilting stage and pumped down to vacuum. Finally, secondary electrons (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE) from the sample are collected at the right to form the image (more about this later).

 
Last Scene
Next Scene