The transmission electron microscope (TEM) uses electrons as the source of illumination. The image is formed by electrons that pass through the sample. Thus, a TEM is useful for investigating the internal structures of various materials such as cells of plant and animal tissues, bacteria, viruses, and nanomaterials of all kinds. The addition of X-ray microanalysis to the microscope enables the determination of the elemental composition of the samples observed. In addition, specific proteins can be localized in samples using colloidal gold labeled antibodies. Samples for the TEM must be very thin or made thin by sectioning with an ultramicrotome.

MORESEE MORE