Methods / TEM

TEM analysis

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uses an electron beam to form high-resolution images of objects – including their internal structures – on the nanoscale. TEM analysis is widely used in industries including materials science, microbiology, and nanotechnology.

Measur cross-sectional TEM
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Some of our TEM services

TEM-EDX imaging

Imaging of the sample with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and determination of the elemental composition of the sample using electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX or EDS). Several images with varying magnifications are taken to get a good overview of the sample. An EDX mapping, line scan, or point measurement is collected to measure the sample composition (elemental at.% or wt.%). For solid samples, the analysis often requires FIB preparation, which is priced separately. HR-TEM can also be provided. Contact us for more details about the analysis options.
607–1,477 €
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TEM imaging

Imaging of the sample with transmission electron microscope (TEM). Typically, several images with varying magnifications are taken to get a good overview of the sample. TEM allows nm-resolution images. Solid samples often require FIB preparation before analysis. HR-TEM can also be provided. Contact us for more details.
532–1,410 €
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Particle size distribution with TEM

Particle size distribution (PSD) is determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The method is most suitable for small particles of 50 nm or smaller. Depending on particle shapes, the method includes calculating the diameters or lengths and widths of particles. In addition to size, TEM provides qualitative information about the surface morphology of the particles. TEM is a good option for irregularly shaped and non-spherical particles such as fibers, rods, and crystals that cannot be characterized meaningfully with traditional methods, including laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As a result of the analysis, TEM images and the determined particle size distribution for diameter (or length and width) are delivered. Dry samples are suitable for TEM as is. If the particles are wet or dispersed in a solvent, the sample may be dried with a suitable sample preparation method before imaging.
1,551–2,111 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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Common applications of TEM analysis

The electronics industry and nanotechnology laboratories use TEM to examine thin film materials. The method is commonly used to search for imperfections, failures, and impurities. TEM is also used in electron diffraction to determine the crystal structure of solid samples and reveal crystallographic orientations with high accuracy.

TEM enables studying the inner biological structures of extremely small objects like microbes and viruses, which makes it a popular analysis technique in medical and microbiological research. In addition, TEM can be used to determine the particle size distribution of sub-50 nm nanoparticles and characterize nanomaterials in food by EFSA guidelines.

How does TEM work?

The basic principle of transmission electron microscopy is similar to that of optical microscopy, but instead of light TEM uses a transmitted electron beam that penetrates the sample. Because electrons have a smaller wavelength than light, the formed image has a considerably higher resolution compared to traditional light microscopy. The final image is highly detailed and shows the sample's internal structures. In some cases, it is even possible to distinguish individual atoms with TEM and its variation, STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy).

TEM-single-walled-carbon-nanotubes
A TEM image of single-walled carbon nanotubes coated with a thin polymer layer.

Limitations of transmission electron microscopy

Despite the wide range of applications, TEM has some limitations. Samples must be electron-transparent, which means that sample thickness must be 100 nm or less. Larger samples can, however, be processed to fit the requirements. This can be achieved with the help of FIB sample preparation and cross-sectional TEM analysis, which focuses on studying sub-sections of particles that are too large for regular transmission electron microscopy.

TEM samples are also vulnerable to radiation damage from the electron beam. To counter this, fragile samples, such as biological macromolecules, can be pretreated by instant freezing and analyzed by cryo-TEM.

If you're interested in the advantages and limitations of TEM compared to scanning electron microscopy, check out our expert article on the differences between SEM and TEM.

Need TEM analyses?

Measurlabs offers high-quality imaging services with TEM, cross-sectional TEM, cryo-TEM, and STEM. With us you get your analyses done with quick turnaround times even for large sample batches, allowing you projects to proceed without any unnecessary delays. Our broad partner network enables you to get all the analyses you need easily with one PO, and our experts are always here to support you with method selection. Contact us through the form below to get a quote.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Materials in the nanoscale
  • Nanoparticles
  • Viruses and microbes
  • Parts of semiconductors
  • Carbon nanotubes, graphenes and other carbon nanomaterials
  • Thin film coatings
  • Cellulose nanofibers

Ideal uses of TEM analysis

  • Failure analysis in electronics manufacturing
  • Imaging in materials science
  • Studying the inner parts of microbes and viruses at an ultrastructural level
  • Determining particle shape and size of nanoparticles
  • Determining the location of catalyst particles in the carrier
  • Imaging cellulose nanofibers
  • Imaging carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other carbon nanomaterials

Ask for an offer

Fill in the form, and we'll reply in one business day.

Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?

  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

  • Does the sample require cross-sectioning before the imaging? If so, could you provide a detailed explanation and/or a scheme for the cross-sectioning instructions?

  • What is the objective of the imaging? (particle size, morphology information, compositional analysis, etc.)

  • Is the sample dry or can it be dried easily?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is TEM analysis commonly used for?

TEM is mainly used in the fields of electronics and nanotechnology, but it can also be used in microbial research.

TEM produces high-resolution images that can be used in quality control and failure analysis. When combined with EELS or EDX, information on the elemental composition of the imaged sample can also be obtained.

What are the limitations of TEM?

Some materials cannot sustain the high-energy electron beam used in TEM. It may, however, be possible to analyze such fragile materials using cryo-TEM, where the sample is instantly frozen before analysis.

The TEM beam only passes through samples with thicknesses less than 100 nm. This requires thicker samples to be cut using techniques like microtomy or ion milling, making TEM a destructive method. Non-destructive alternatives in semiconductor failure analysis include micro-CT and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM).

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.