Types of electron microscope

Prof. Jones: ‘Are there different types of electron microscopes?’

You: ‘Yes, I remember that there are two primary types: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Although, both rely on electron beams, they serve different purposes.’

Prof. Jones nods in agreement. ‘What are the main differences between these two types of electron microscopes?’ 

Description 1: Both SEM and TEM collect electrons emitted only from the sample surface, but SEM yields a 3D image and TEM yields a flat image.

Description 2: SEM uses a beam traveling through the sample, and TEM scans the surface for a flat image.

Description 3: SEM focuses a beam on the sample’s surface for a 3D topography, while TEM transmits electrons through an ultrathin section for a 2D-like internal view.