Electron microscope

An electron microscope uses a focused electron beam, rather than the conventional light beam, to create a magnified image. While a conventional light microscope can magnify 1,000 times, an electron microscope can magnify 10,000 times.

There are two types of electron microscopes:

• A transmission electron microscope directs the beam onto the object being examined.
• A scanning electron microscope moves a beam across the object.

Electron microscopy can be used to examine cells, virus particles, and atomic structure and arrangement.