Scanning Electron Microscopy basics

The lecture gives a basic introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which is by far the most visually satisfying method of surface analysis. The images produced by SEM look photorealistic though they have nothing in common with optical photography. Image acquisition in SEM is explained in very basic terms in this lection as well as the scheme of the device itself. Main parameters of the system are discussed and by the end of the lection a rough "recepie" of obtaining a good quality image is presented.