ABSTRACT
The transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the closely related scanning electron microscope (SEM) have evolved into highly sophisticated instruments with widespread applications in many disciplines within the physical and biological sciences. Their unique ability to provide structural and chemical information over a range of length scales down to atomic dimensions makes them indispensable tools for all scientists and engineers who are concerned with understanding materials properties and behavior. The electron microscope has played an essential role in the past development of many commercial products, and it continues to find widespread use in industrial laboratories. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief introduction to the transmission instrument and an overview of the major operating modes and important attachments. More detailed information about operation of both types of instrument and their applications can be found by consulting the monographs and extended review papers listed at the end of this chapter (1-16).
