Abstract:
The photoelectric effect provides the basis
for an imaging technique useful for the study of
biological surfaces. The photoelectron
microscope (PEM) employs a UV lamp to photoeject
electrons from the specimen surface. The
electrons are then accelerated and imaged using
electron optics. Photoelectron micrographs often
resemble scanning electron micrographs, but the
origin of contrast is different and these two
techniques are complementary. Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM) is unsurpassed in applications
where specimens have pronounced relief or where
elemental analysis is required. The advantages
of PEM are a new origin of contrast, high
sensitivity to fine topographical detail, short
depth of information, and low specimen
conductivity requirements. Photoelectron Images
of model systems, cell surfaces and cytoskeletal
elements have been obtained.