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A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
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The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
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In 1931, physicist Ernst Ruska—building on the idea that magnetic fields can direct an electron beam just as lenses can direct a beam of light in an optical microscope—developed the first prototype of the electron microscope. This development led to the development of the field of electron microscopy. In the transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrons are produced by a hot tungsten element and accelerated by a potential difference in an electron gun, which gives them up to 400...
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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Focussed Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Brain Tissue
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Multi-Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy for High-Throughput Imaging in Connectomics Research.

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  • 1Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Oberkochen, Germany.

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|January 9, 2019
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Summary

Recent advances in three-dimensional microscopy, particularly scanning electron microscopy, enable high-resolution imaging of larger tissue volumes. Novel multi-beam technology and automated preparation now allow mapping cubic millimeter tissue ranges.

Keywords:
3D volume EMhigh-content imaginghigh-throughput imagingmultibeamscanning electron microscopy

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microscopy
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Three-dimensional microscopy has seen significant advancements, driven by neuroscience research.
  • Electron microscopy techniques like serial section array tomography offer insights into cellular and tissue organization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review electron microscopic volume imaging approaches.
  • To highlight advancements in high-resolution imaging of large tissue volumes.

Main Methods:

  • Overview of serial section array tomography and focused ion beam tomography.
  • Introduction to novel multi-beam scanning electron microscope technology.
  • Mention of automated sample preparation robots.

Main Results:

  • Standard techniques are limited to small tissue volumes due to low throughput.
  • New multi-beam technology and automation enable high-resolution mapping of cubic millimeter tissue volumes.
  • High-resolution volume imaging of larger samples is now achievable.

Conclusions:

  • Electron microscopic volume imaging has progressed significantly.
  • Multi-beam scanning electron microscopy is a key development for large-scale tissue mapping.
  • High-resolution imaging of large tissue volumes is now feasible for neuroscience and life sciences.