Dublin Analytical Applications
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
How does SEM work?
SEM functions by using a focussed beam of electrons to investigate the sample surface through a series of steps:
- Electron beam generation
- Beam focussing
- Sample scanning
- Electron-sample interaction
- Signal detection
- Image formation
What industries can use SEM?
SEM in biological sciences applications
Microbial analysis:
SEM allows microbiologists to visualise and study microorganisms with exception detail. This can provide insight into microbial morphology and interactions, aiding in understanding behaviour and adaptations.
Cellular and tissue imaging:
This technique can also provide intricate views of biological specimens, allowing for examination of cellular morphology and interactions at the nanoscale. This has contributed significantly to several fields, including regenerative medicine, drug development, and medical diagnostics.
SEM in materials science applications
Material characterisation
This technique facilitates the study of the properties, composition, and microstructure of materials used across industries such as aerospace, energy, and chemistry. By harnessing SEM’s capabilities, scientists can gain insights into material behaviour and aid in material development.
Nanomaterials research:
SE microscopy offers invaluable insights into nanotubes and fibres, enabling exploration of their characteristics and driving innovation in nanotechnology.
SEM in geology and earth science applications
Mineral and rock analysis:
Drug development: This advanced technique also ensures drug manufacturing integrity by providing detailed examination and analysis. By verifying drug formulation consistency, detecting irregularities, and contributing to the quality of pharmaceutical products, it can be used to support drug safety standards.
Vaccine research:
Virologists rely on SEM to visualise vaccine structures and analyse their components and interactions with the immune system. This contributes massively to vaccine development and healthcare advancement.
SEM in pharmaceutical and life sciences applications
Mineral and rock analysis:
Drug development: This advanced technique also ensures drug manufacturing integrity by providing detailed examination and analysis. By verifying drug formulation consistency, detecting irregularities, and contributing to the quality of pharmaceutical products, it can be used to support drug safety standards.
Vaccine research:
Virologists rely on SEM to visualise vaccine structures and analyse their components and interactions with the immune system. This contributes massively to vaccine development and healthcare advancement.
SEM in petrochemical applications
Oil and gas
Alongside total organic carbon analysers, SEM is used to assess the quality and composition of water used in processing, cooling, and wastewater treatment within petrochemical operations. This maintains water quality standards and ensures industrial processes run smoothly while also working as an environmental safeguard.
SEM in food and beverage applications
Quality control
Here, SEM is used for maintaining product quality and safety standards. By analysing the food product and packaging, SEM ensures compliance with rigorous quality control measures.
SEM for quality control applications
Selecting the right SEM instrument
How to interpret SEM results
To interpret SEM results, the generated images must be analysed, identifying surface details, morphology and features. During this analysis, consider the scale for size context. The sample’s composition can then be determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data, and any unique features or patterns identified. Furthermore, evaluate the surface topography, particle size and distribution, taking defects and anomalies into account. If necessary, quantitative measurements using the SEM software can be performed, allowing for comparison of results to research objectives and complementary secondary techniques can be performed.
What to do next?
To find out more about Dublin Analytical’s scanning electron microscopes, visit the product page for the SNE-ALPHA, or visit the enquiry page to discuss with a member of the team an instrument more tailored to a particular application
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