This page last updated: 19/02/2008
The modern Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a highly capable instrument which performs a large number of different analytical functions. It is found in a great many laboratories across the world and has proved invaluable in many fields.
In recent years, the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering has run a series of projects researching the possibilities opened up by the computer control of today's modern SEMs. During the course of this work it became apparent that there was a need for an effective software-based teaching and training tool for the microscope.
In order to obtain high quality images and analysis, the user of a SEM requires a good understanding of the principles behind how the instrument works. The Cambridge Virtual SEM (VSEM) is a web-based instructional package designed to fill this need. It allows new and experienced users alike to develop and hone the necessary skills and knowledge for proper operation of a real SEM.
Further information is given about the VSEM project in the following pages. Subjects covered include information about earlier projects which led to the current work, what the VSEM concept incorporates, motivation behind VSEM, its technology and the project's current status.
For further information please contact Dr Nicholas HM Caldwell at the Department of Engineering.