electron microscope n an electron-optical instrument in which a beam of electrons is used to produce an enlarged image of a minute object
electron microscopist n
electron microscopy n
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a microscope that uses a beam of electrons as a radiation source for viewing the specimen. The resolving power (ability to register fine detail) is a thousand times greater than that of an ordinary light microscope. The specimen must be examined in a vacuum, which necessitates special techniques for preparing it, and the electrons are usually focused onto a fluorescent screen (for direct viewing) or onto a photographic plate (for a photograph, or electron micrograph). A transmission electron microscope is used to examine thin sections at high magnification. A scanning electron microscope reveals the surfaces of objects at various magnifications; its great depth of focus is advantageous.
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a microscope in which an electron beam, instead of light, forms an image for viewing, allowing much greater magnification and resolution. The image may be viewed on a fluorescent screen or may be photographed. Types include the scanning and the transmission electron microscope.Medical dictionary. 2011.