Scanning electron microscope has a wide range of applications in the examination of material evidence  It is very useful for the examination of tool marks, warheads and shell casings, as well as for hair, gunshot residue and other fine physical evidence  Scanning electron microscope can not only provide magnified images of the shape and surface structure of material evidence at very high multiples, but also provide clear three-dimensional images because of its good depth of field  These advantages are beyond the reach of ordinary optical microscopes
In addition, the network of scanning electron microscope and X-ray analyzer can also make qualitative analysis of testing materials
Scanning electron microscope has the advantages that other optical microscopes do not have.