Photoelectron microscopy is a surface technique which provides topographical information using the photoelectric effect as a basis for contrast. Progress in the biological applications of this technique is briefly reviewed. Due to relatively low quantum yields, photoemission from biological samples is weak and an image intensifier is used in order to visualize and record the photoelectron image. Currently the limiting magnification is determined by UV power incident on the sample. Power requirements for high-magnification imaging are calculated in terms of microscope, sample, and image intensifier parameters. To approach 40 R resolution, an instrument magnification of 12,000-50,000 is required along with a UV intensity of 0.01 to 10 Watts/cm² depending on the wavelength and sample. For a tightly focused laser source the total power requirement is 1 mWatt or less.

Date Published: 27 July 1976
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 0078, Low Light Level Devices for Science and Technolgy, (27 July 1976);

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0078:
Low Light Level Devices for Science and Technolgy
Charles Freeman, Editor(s)