How can Scientist view the Atoms of something with an Electron Microscope without seeing the Atoms that make up the lenses of the Microscope?

Question

How can Scientist view the Atoms of something with an Electron Microscope without seeing the Atoms that make up the lenses of the Microscope?

In: Physics

Answer 1

First of all, it is incredibly difficult to see anything at the atomic level with an electron microscope.

And more importantly, electron microscopes don’t use physical lenses. The lenses generate an electrical field that focuses and directs a fine electron beam. The beam travels in a vacuum before it strikes the sample.

Source: I used to use a Scanning Electron Microscope quite regularly.