Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is an advanced imaging technique that provides high-resolution images of material surfaces. It is widely used in industrial and scientific sectors to analyze the structure and composition of samples at the nanoscale. Its importance is growing with the rise of nanotechnology and complex materials.
What is scanning electron microscopy?
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is an advanced imaging technique that allows the observation of samples at the nanoscale with a resolution far superior to that of optical microscopy. This method relies on the use of an electron beam to analyze the surface of a material and deduce its morphological and structural properties.
How scanning electron microscopy works
The principle of SEM/SEM is based on the interaction between an electron beam and the sample being analyzed. Here are the main steps of the process:
- Electron production : An electron gun generates a beam of electrons focused on the sample.
- Surface scanning : The beam is directed onto the surface of the sample according to a precise scanning pattern.
- Sample-electron interaction : These interactions produce signals (such as secondary electrons or backscattered electrons) which are captured and transformed into an image.
- Image acquisition and analysis : The image obtained allows us to study the morphology, texture and composition of the sample.
Technical specifications of the MEB/SEM
- Resolution : on the order of nanometers (1-10 nm depending on the instrument and the sample)
- Magnification : up to 500,000x
- Electron sources : tungsten filament, field emission cathode
- Detector types : secondary electrons (SE), backscattered electrons (BSE), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
- Analysis environment : high vacuum or low pressure for certain sensitive samples
For which matrices?
Scanning electron microscopy is suitable for many matrices, including:
Main industrial applications
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is widely used in many industrial and scientific sectors:
Léa Géréec
Technical and scientific advisor
