This document provides an overview of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It discusses that SEM uses a beam of electrons to image specimens and provides higher resolution than light microscopes. The key components of an SEM are described, including the electron gun, electromagnetic lenses, detectors. The document explains the scanning process where the beam raster scans over the sample, ejecting electrons that are detected to form an image. Factors like magnification, sample preparation and potential interference issues are summarized.