DIY Scanning Electron Microscope - Operation procedure

After getting back from Maker Faire (which is always a hugely enjoyable and inspiring event), I thought that my microscope might need some repairs. As it turned out, I only had to change the filament and tighten some screws that came loose during the trip back from the Faire. The microscope works just as well as it ever has -- I didn't even need to move my alignment magnets. I made this video to show everyone what using it is really like.

Also, if you haven't been able to attend Maker Faire yet, it really is as amazing and epic as you have heard. The intelligent and inspiring people who make it happen are a large part of the motivation that I had to build and display this microscope. In turn, I hope my project inspires others to create things and share their ideas with everyone. There's no better way to have fun and celebrate accomplishment at the same time!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• electron
• microscope
• operation
• procedure
• DIY

[electrodacus]

I'm extremely impressed great job.

So the wire is about the same diameter as an average human hair.

You can get the same level of magnification with an optical microscope.

What is limiting the resolution?

[bkraz333]

@electrodacus This homebuilt SEM does not have very good resolution -- 5 micrometers perhaps. I am currently working on a slow-scan image buffer which will allow higher quality images, and potentially better resolution.

[Jonasinc1]

This is very neat. What would you have to do to get an image of bacteria or a virus with the microscope?

[bkraz333]

@Jonasinc1 It's unlikely that this homebuilt scope will ever have the resolution necessary to see a virus, and even bacteria might be a stretch. One problem is that biological samples must be carefully dried and coated with metal to be used in a SEM. I don't have the equipment to do that well, so I would be starting with low-quality samples and trying to image them with a low-resolution SEM. I'll probably eventually try it, though. Stay tuned!

[axel1973w]

Aint u producing a lot of XRAYS too?

[bkraz333]

@axel1973w Acceleration voltages below 10KV will produce x-rays of sufficiently long wavelength so that they are stopped by glass and aluminum. They are known as "soft x-rays". The higher the acceleration voltage, the shorter the wavelength, and the more penetrating the x-rays will be. Color TV sets need lead shielding because they operate at higher acceleration voltages than B/W TVs, which do not need shielding.

[jeriellsworth]

I wish I had a chance to chat with you a bit more at maker faire.

[AntiProtonBoy]

You seriously need to digitise the capture for youtube consumption!

[xelionizer]

Truly impressive work! You seem to know alot about what you are doing;)

[death0intj]

pure nerd porn :)

[timerider4]

Very impressive.

[axel1973w]

@bkraz333 excellent explanation. thanks