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scanning electron microscope

scanning electron microscope

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

scanning electron microscope (SEM) A microscope that operates by scanning a finely focused beam of electrons across the specimen. The reflected electron intensity is measured and displayed on a cathode-ray screen to produce an image. The SEM enables magnifications of up to 100 000 times to be made and provides a much better depth of field than a conventional light microscope (which suffers from focus limitations), making the three-dimensional structure of small objects (e.g. Foraminiferida) spectacularly visible. In geology it is used extensively for micropalaeontology, diagenetic studies (see DIAGENESIS), and grain textural examination. When coupled with an electron probe, semi-quantitative determinations of grain chemistry can be made.
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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-scanningelectronmicroscop.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-scanningelectronmicroscop.html

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scanning electron microscope

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

scanning electron microscope See electron microscope.
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"scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-scanningelectronmicroscop.html

"scanning electron microscope." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-scanningelectronmicroscop.html

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