October 18, 2003
Source: Science Museum, UK
Reference:
Description:
A SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) allows us to image things that would be invisible to even the most powerful of visible light microscopes. The image is formed by focusing an electron beam onto the sample surface. As the beam scans across the surface the sample emits secondary electrons which are then detected and used to modulate the image signal much like a television. More electrons is translated into a brighter image. As the beam scans the surface each point is mapped out just as the electron beam in a television maps the image onto the screen. Here we are able to see all the details of one of natures smallest denizens holding one of mankind's smallest creations, a silicon microchip (the building blocks of digital electronics).
