Using the Hitachi TM4000 scanning electron microscope
Technology is providing some amazing opportunities for teachers and students. This is a desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) that can be transported easily to schools and interested groups. This model was part of the University of Waikato outreach programme in 2024. Reach out to your local university to see if it runs a similar programme.
The SEM lets us see the surface of three-dimensional objects in high resolution. It works by scanning the surface of an object with a focused beam of electrons and detecting electrons that are reflected from and knocked off the sample surface. At low magnifications, entire objects (such as insects) viewed on the SEM can be in focus at the same time. That’s why the SEM is so good at generating three-dimensional images of lice, flies, snowflakes and so on.
