In SEM, the primary signal used to create the image is the detection of:
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Correct answer: Secondary electrons
As the primary electron beam hits the metal-coated surface, it knocks loose 'secondary electrons' from the specimen surface. These are collected by a detector to reconstruct the surface topography.
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More Electron Microscopy questions
- Which of the following is the primary reason why electron microscopes have a much higher resolving power than light microscopes?
- In Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), what serves as the 'lens' to focus the electron beam?
- Which heavy metal is commonly used during 'postfixation' in electron microscopy to provide contrast and preserve lipids?
- What is the typical thickness of a tissue section required for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)?
- Which type of electron microscopy is best suited for viewing the 3D surface morphology of a cell or tissue?
- To prevent scattering of the electron beam by gas molecules, the interior of an electron microscope must be maintained in a: