Bangladesh University

Department of Pharmacy
Assignment
Advance Analysis II

Topic’s Name: Working Method of Scanning Electron Microscope

Submitted To: Fatema Jenny
Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy
Bangladesh University, Dhaka.
Submitted By:
Farzana Haque (202011235014)

Date of Submission: December 26, 2023

 Introduction

A Scanning electrode microscope (SEM) is an electron

microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the
surface with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact
with atoms in the sample, producing various signals containing
information about the sample's surface topography and
composition. The electron beam is scanned in a raster scan
pattern, and the beam’s position is combined with the intensity
of the detected signal to produce an image. In the most
common SEM mode, secondary electrons emitted by atoms
excited by the electron beam are detected using a secondary
electron detector (Everhart–Thornley detector). The number of
secondary electrons that can be detected, and thus the signal
intensity, depends, among other things, on specimen
topography. Some SEMs can achieve resolutions better than 1
nanometer. Flakes on the scalp often fall onto clothing or
shoulders. The condition can be embarrassing and
uncomfortable, but it is not contagious or harmful to health.
 Parts of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
The major components of the Scanning Electron Microscope include-

• Electron Source – This is where electrons are produced under

thermal heat at a voltage of 1-40kV. the electrons condense into a
beam that is used for the creation of an image and analysis. There
are three types of electron sources that can be used i. e Tungsten
filament, Lanthanum hexaboride, and Field emission gun (FEG)
• Lenses – it has several condenser lenses that focus the beam of
electrons from the source through the column forming a narrow
beam of electrons that form a spot called a spot size.
• Scanning Coil – they are used to deflect the beam over the specimen
surface.
• Detector – It’s made up of several detectors that are able to
differentiate the secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, and
diffracted backscattered electrons. The functioning of the detectors
highly depends on the voltage speed, the density of the specimen.
• The display device (data output devices)
• Power supply
• Vacuum system
 How does the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
work?
• The source of the electrons and the electromagnetic lenses are from
tungsten filament lamps that are placed at the top of the column and
it is similar to those of the transmission electron Microscope.
• The electrons are emitted after thermal energy is applied to the
electron source and allowed to move in a fast motion to the anode,
which has a positive charge.
• The beam of electrons activates the emission of primary scattered
(Primary) electrons at high energy levels and secondary electrons at
low-energy levels from the specimen surface.
• The beam of electrons interacts with the specimen to produce signals
that give information about the surface topography and composition
of the specimen.
• The specimen does not need special treatment for visualization under
the SEM, even air-dried samples can be examined directly. However,
microbial specimens need fixation, dehydration, and drying in order
to maintain the structural features of the cells and to prevent
collapsing of the cells when exposed to the high vacuum of the
microscope.
How does the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
work? Continue
• The samples are mounted and coated with thin layer of heavy metal elements to allow spatial
scattering of electric charges on the surface of the specimen allowing better image production,
with high clarity.
• Scanning by this microscope is attained by tapering a beam of electrons back and forth over a thin
section of the microscope. When the electrons reach the specimen, the surface releases a tiny staw
of electrons known as secondary electrons which are then trapped by a special detector apparatus.
• When the secondary electrons reach and enter the detector, they strike a scintillator (a
luminescence material that fluoresces when struck by a charged particle or high-energy photon).
• This emits flashes of light which get converted into an electric current by a photomultiplier,
sending a signal to the cathode ray tube. This produces an image that looks like a television picture
that can be viewed and photographed.
• The quantity of secondary electrons that enter the detector is highly defined by the nature of the
specimen i.e raised surfaces to receive high quantities of electrons, entering the detector while
depressed surfaces have fewer electrons reaching the surface and hence fewer electrons enter the
detector.
• Therefore raised surfaces will appear brighter on the screen while depressed surfaces appear
darker.
 Applications of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Examining the microstructure of metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composites to reveal grain structure,
defects, and surface modifications.
• Investigating the causes of material failures by studying fracture surfaces and identifying crack initiation and
propagation mechanisms.
• Inspecting the surface quality and integrity of manufactured parts for defects, contamination, and coating
uniformity.
• Characterizing nanomaterials like nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoparticles, revealing their size, shape, and
distribution.
• Visualizing the intricate details of cells, bacteria, and other microorganisms, including their external structures,
organelles, and internal components.
• Examining the 3D structure of tissues and organs, revealing their cellular organization and interactions.
• Studying the morphology of diseased tissues and cells to aid in diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms.
• Evaluating the biocompatibility and performance of implants and medical devices.
• Analyzing microscopic evidence such as fibers, hair, gunshot residue, and paint chips to link suspects to crime
scenes.
• Studying the composition and texture of rocks and minerals.
• Examining the fossilized remains of ancient organisms.
• Characterizing the structure and composition of environmental particles, such as pollutants and dust.