A Polychromatic scanning electron micrograph of the skeletal details of the coral, Coscinaraea sp. Using an array of electron detectors, we can deconstruct and spatially resolve the entire electron scatter field emitted from the surface of a sample. After color-coding the electron detection profiles from multiple angles, we can subsequently recombine these signals for the generation of a polychromatic scanning electron micrograph, where variability in surface topography is revealed in a dazzling array of hues. The high angular sensitivity of this technique permits the effective illustration of subtle differences in surface profile in structurally complex materials.

About this Collection: Working with cultured specimens from coral farms throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, these images capture the stunning architectural complexity of these incredibly diverse and ecologically important marine invertebrates.

Field of view: 2.1 mm (ca. 145x magnification)

The Electron Micrograph series were featured in 2019 exhibition Nature—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.