High voltage electron microscopy

A 3-million volt transmission electron microscope installation in Japan by the Hitachi enterprises. This instrument was built in the late 1970's. The very high voltage has been used to penetrate through specimens 1-3 micrometers (or more) in thickness in order to resolve small three-dimensional fine structures.

Most such instruments are now being replaced by intermediate voltage (200-400 kV) transmission electron microscopes which are much less costly, and which deliver nearly the same information when used skillfully.

Photograph courtesy of Hitachi Scientific Instruments, Inc.