The resolution limit of a microscope is roughly equal to the wavelength of light used in producing the image. Electron microscopes use an electron beam (in place of photons) to produce much higher resolution images, about 0.16 nm in modern instruments.

Question

Assuming that the resolution of an electron microscope is equal to the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons used, to what speed must the electrons be accelerated to obtain a resolution of 0.16 nm?

Answer 1

w = wavelength
w = h/mv
w = 0.16E-9m
m in kg. Solve for v in m/s.

Answer 2

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