Electron Diffraction Electron diffraction provides information about position of atoms in crystalline structures. Thin sections of metals, ceramics and geologicals are made using an ion thinning mill. Proteins are prepared by crystalization from solution. 13 cm to 80 meters Electron channel patterning is available using the high resolution SEM, providing information about single phases of crystals. Lower atomic number elements absorb more electrons and appear dark on electron micrographs.
Images are the result of Z-number contrast.
On flat specimens, this technique may be quite informative, but BEI is sensitive to topography, so this method is suited to specific types of specimens.