The workflow of an electron microscope (EM) covers four core steps: sample preparation, equipment debugging, imaging, and data analysis, each of which requires precise operation to ensure image quality.

Sample preparation is the foundation of imaging. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) requires a sample thickness of less than 100 nanometers. Biological samples need to be fixed with glutaraldehyde, dehydrated with gradient ethanol, and embedded with epoxy resin, and then sliced into nanoscale sections using an ultra-thin slicer; Metal samples need to be mechanically ground to the micrometer level and further thinned using ion thinning or electrolytic double spraying methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) samples need to maintain their surface morphology, while biological samples need to undergo fixation, dehydration, critical point drying, and gold spraying treatment to enhance conductivity.

Equipment debugging needs to be preheated for 30 minutes after startup, and carried out after the instrument stabilizes. Firstly, adjust the electron gun to focus the electron beam on the sample, and control the beam diameter through the aperture to balance resolution and brightness. Subsequently, rotate the objective lens and eyepiece focusing ring to adjust the focal length, ensuring clear image; Select an appropriate magnification factor based on the characteristics of the sample to avoid distortion caused by excessive magnification. Finally, by adjusting the contrast and brightness to optimize the image quality, move the stage to position the target area at the center of the field of view.

In the high-definition imaging stage, the imaging mode needs to be selected according to the sample type. TEM forms high-resolution images of samples through electron penetration, allowing observation of the internal ultrastructure of cells; SEM uses secondary electronic signals to present the surface morphology of samples, which is suitable for analyzing material surface features. During the imaging process, it is necessary to monitor the image quality in real-time and adjust parameters in a timely manner.

In the data analysis stage, professional software is used to enlarge, rotate, measure, and reconstruct images in three dimensions, extract structural parameters and morphological features, and provide quantitative basis for scientific research.