Electron microscopes are powerful tools that use beams of electrons instead of light to magnify tiny objects. This allows scientists to see details at a much smaller scale than traditional light microscopes can achieve. With the ability to magnify objects up to 2 million times, electron microscopes are essential for studying the structure of cells, viruses, and materials at the atomic level.
These microscopes come in two main types: transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). TEMs pass electrons through a thin sample to create detailed images, while SEMs scan the surface of a sample to produce 3D images. Both types are invaluable in fields like biology, materials science, and nanotechnology.