a method and apparatus allowing for simultaneous direct viewing and electronic capture of images in an electron microscope . for this , the usual opaque direct viewing plate in the tem is replaced in form and in function by a two - sided direct viewing plate including at least one scintillator . this plate produces light emissions from both its upper and lower surfaces , which allows an electronic camera below the plate to be used simultaneously with direct human viewing from above the plate . the method and apparatus are also compatible with traditional permanent image recording units that are often desired in such microscopes .