Imaging and tomography
The Natural History Museum’s imaging centre offers a variety of confocal, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopes, as well as state-of-the-art computed tomography scanners.
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Computed tomography
Learn the basic principles of computed tomography, a non-destructive technique that makes it possible to visualise specimens in 3D and to dissect or slice computerised reconstructions to view internal structure. Find out about micro- and nano-CT and how you could book scanning time at the Museum.
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Confocal microscopy
Read about the Museum’s Leica TCS SP1 Confocal Microscope, available for UV fluorescence work, and get information about how laser-scanning confocal microscopy works.
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High resolution scanning electron microscopy
Get information about the two scanning electron microscopes capable of high resolution imaging, and view examples.
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Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy
Learn which three scanning electron microscopes can work at variable pressure, discover their key features and see examples.
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Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray analysis
The LEO 1455 VP, JEOL 5900LV and Carl Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission SEMs are all capable of X-ray analysis. Find out more.
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Transmission electron microscopy
The Museum’s Hitachi H-7100 transmission electron microscope is specially designed to prevent beam damage to delicate and sensitive specimens. Discover more about the instrument and technique.
Our imaging instruments
- Metris X-Tek HMX ST Computed Tomography System for micro-CT
- Gatan X-ray Ultra Microscope for nano-CT
- Leica TCS SP1 Confocal Microscope
- Philips XL30 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Carl Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission SEM
- LEO 1455 VP SEM
- JEOL 5900LV SEM
- Hitachi H-7100 Transmission Electron Microscope