What is one of the advantages of scanning electron microscopes?

One of the key advantages of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) is their ability to provide higher resolution images that reveal detailed surface structures of specimens. SEMs work by scanning a focused beam of electrons across the surface of a sample. This process allows for the acquisition of high-resolution images that can show fine surface textures and details at a much smaller scale than traditional light microscopes. This capability enables researchers to study the morphology and surface characteristics of materials or biological specimens in great detail, something that is essential in fields such as materials science, biology, and nanotechnology.

The increased resolution and the three-dimensional appearance of the images produced by SEMs provide important insights that are not easily attained with other types of microscopy. This advantage is critical for understanding complex biological structures or for analyzing materials at a micro or nanoscale level.