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Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

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Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

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Definition

Scanning electron microscopy. A form of microscopy in which a focused beam of accelerated electrons is scanned across the surface of a specimen, generating a number of signals that yield information about its morphology, elemental composition, and, when outfitted with appropriate detectors, crystalline microstructure or other features.

SEM. Scanning electron microscopy or microscope. This acronym is often used interchangeably to describe the imaging/analytical technique and the instrument itself.

SEM in geoarchaeology

Introduction

SEM is a highly versatile imaging and microanalytical technique that has been used throughout the archaeological sciences for almost five decades (e.g., Pilcher, 1968; Brothwell, 1969). Most instruments are equipped for two primary functions: imaging (commonly at high magnifications) and providing compositional (i.e., elemental) information. Instruments can also be outfitted with detectors that offer additional information, such as the crystalline...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, HHH #395, 301 19th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Ellery Frahm

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  1. Ellery Frahm
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  1. Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA

    Allan S. Gilbert

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Frahm, E. (2017). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In: Gilbert, A.S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4409-0_25

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