Jan 24, 2024 · Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) are the two most common types of electron microscopy. TEM and SEM differ in how they work and what types of images they are able to capture.

Compared to SEMs, TEMs generate higher-resolution images, provide atomic and crystallographic data, produce 2D images that are easier to interpret than 3D SEM images, and allow users to examine additional characteristics of a given sample.

Apr 2, 2025 · In an SEM, the secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electrons (BSE) are used to acquire images of a sample’s surface whereas in a TEM, the transmitted electrons are detected to produce a projection-image through a sample’s interior.

The main difference between SEM and TEM is that SEM creates an image by detecting reflected or knocked-off electrons, while TEM uses transmitted electrons (electrons that are passing through the sample) to create an image.

In this blog, we’ll look into the key differences and applications of SEM vs. TEM, guiding you through their operations, unique features, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

There are two types of electron microscopes: TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) Used to produce excellent images of the surfaces of cells and small organisms. Excellent for studying surface morphology of the organisms, cells or any suitable material under study.

While SEM offers lower resolution and larger depth of field, it is well-suited for surface imaging and elemental analysis. On the other hand, TEM provides higher resolution images and is ideal for studying the internal structure of samples at the atomic level.

Jan 11, 2019 · SEM (left) and TEM (right) images of bacteria. Whereas SEM shows numerous bacteria on a surface (green), the TEM image shows the interior structure of a single bacterium.

Two primary types stand out: the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). While both use electron beams to create images, their methods of interaction with the sample and the information they provide differ significantly.

Jan 27, 2023 · An SEM gives you a 3D image but does not allow you to see inside of a specimen the way a TEM does. The 3D image from an SEM is more interesting than that of a TEM, but it can only view details down to around 15 nanometers.