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The miracle of the electron microscope: How do electrons allow us to see the microscopic world?
With the advancement of science and technology, we are able to explore the microscopic structure of matter more deeply, and the invention of the electron microscope is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in this field. Electron microscopes use the wave properties of electron beams to achieve higher resolution than traditional optical microscopes, allowing us to observe the internal organization of cells and even the structure at the molecular level.
The wave nature of electrons allows us to break the resolution limitations of optical microscopes.
Principles of Electron Scattering
Electron scattering is the phenomenon whereby electrons are deflected from their original orbits, primarily due to interaction with the electric field inside matter. When electrons encounter atoms in solid matter, they may be deflected by electrostatic forces or influenced by external magnetic fields to change the direction of their motion.
Scattering of electrons can occur in several ways: no scattering, single scattering, and multiple scattering. The probabilities of these processes depend on the thickness and mean free path of the sample, making the behavior of electrons moving in solids quite complex.
History of the Electron Microscope
Theories of electrons date back to the early 19th century, and then in 1897, J. J. Thomson first discovered the electron, a discovery that laid the foundation for the development of the electron microscope. With the advancement of various theories in physics, electron microscopy developed rapidly in the late 20th century and has become an important tool in many fields such as biology, materials science and nanotechnology.
The advent of the electron microscope enables us to understand the microscopic structure of matter from a completely new perspective.
Electron scattering
The scattering of electrons can be elastic or inelastic. Elastic scattering means that the total kinetic energy is conserved and that the electron and the target particle do not undergo changes in their internal structure after the collision. This is different with inelastic scattering, in which the kinetic energy of the electron after the collision is no longer conserved and its internal state may change, usually because the energy is converted into some other form, such as heat or sound waves.
ConclusionAs a key scientific instrument, the electron microscope has not only changed our understanding of the microscopic world, but also inspired new scientific research methods. With the continuous advancement of technology, we can observe and understand the structure of matter more clearly. What unknown mysteries are waiting for us to explore in the future?
