Training – Another disadvantage is the amount of training and knowledge required to operate an electron microscope. TEM’s require a quote request form the manufacturers.
DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPE PROFESSIONAL
For a laboratory grade professional SEM you are looking at a price around $100,000. Replacement parts can be expensive – so check price and availability before purchase. The lowest pricefound in 2020 after a quick Google searc is $55,000 second hand. Not only are the cheapest of SEM’s still quite an expensive piece of equipment. However, electron microscopes do have a few disadvantages which would prevent them from being used outside of the clinical or research lab environment.Ĭost – The first of these disadvantages is the expense. Disadvantages of Electron MicroscopesĮlectron microscopes are a fantastic way to study samples in high detail and are used to create images on a wide range of samples including cells, molecules, microorganisms, metals, crystals and more. TEM’s emit a high voltage electron beam through a thin slice of the specimen and the structure of the specimen is constructed and magnified by a photographic plate, fluorescent screen or a sensor which records the spatial variation and density of the resulting electron beam. This emits a signal that allows the SEM to build an image. SEM’s uses a primary electron beam which scans across the surface of the specimen and interacts and excites secondary electrons on the surface of the sample. There are two types of electron microscope: scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM) which both use electrons to produce an image but use them in different ways. Thanks to the EM for the first time scientists have been able to observe and produce genuine images of viruses, bacteria and other cells in mind-blowing detail.Įlectron microscopes utilize a beam of electrons in order to create an image of much higher magnification and resolution when compared to standard light microscopes. Electron microscopes (EM’s) are very sophisticated and powerful pieces of equipment that have revolutionized the world of science and medicine.