Thermo Scientific Apreo 2 scanning electron microscope

Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled the Thermo Scientific Apreo 2 scanning electron microscope (SEM) — a high-performance field emission SEM that offers easy-to-obtain nanometre-scale information at a range of working distances and operating conditions. The product was designed to help investigators, SEM operators and lab managers deliver expert results, regardless of experience level.

The device integrates Thermo Fisher’s ColorSEM technology, enabling researchers to view and analyse live colour images directly within the SEM user interface (UI) without switching to conventional energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis software. Researchers can obtain elemental data almost instantly — up to 10 times faster than was possible with conventional techniques, according to the company — quickly identifying areas of interest for further exploration.

The SEM is designed to keep itself always aligned and ready to image with improved stability and SmartAlign automation, allowing researchers to focus on their sample work, not on the microscope. In addition, the product features auto-focus, auto-stigmator and auto-lens alignment technology — each intended to reduce the need for training and enable any user to obtain high-quality results.

The device features 1 nm resolution at a 10 mm working distance, allowing users to acquire high-quality images without worrying about microscope components colliding or damaging the sample. High-resolution imaging at long working distance also enables users to pair the best imaging conditions with optimised analytical data collection.

The product is said to feature improved imaging performance compared to the Apreo 1, at very low beam energies, making it applicable for nanomaterials, polymers and hydrated samples. Improvements at higher beam currents allow for higher-contrast imaging and improved analytical throughput compared to the Apreo 1 and, when combined with ColorSEM, scientists can generate analytical results even faster than the Apreo 1.