Introduction
This post explores how to make scanned electron microscope hair images in Blender.
With the capabilities of 3D rendering software like Blender and technological breakthroughs, exploring the wonders of the tiny world has never been easier. This post will explore the use of Blender to create scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, providing a step-by-step tutorial on simulating the fine features and high-resolution imaging typical of SEM scans. But first, let’s define a SEM and why it’s such an asset in scientific research.
Chapters
What is a Scanned Electron Microscope (SEM) Image?
A scanning electron microscope is an advanced imaging instrument used in scientific study to see ultra-fine features of objects with nanometer-scale resolution.
Unlike standard light microscopes, which use visible light to examine specimens, SEMs use electron beams to provide high-resolution images with excellent depth of field and magnification. This enables researchers to study the structural makeup of materials, ranging from biological samples to synthetic materials, with unprecedented clarity and precision.
Why Create SEM Images in Blender?
While traditional SEM imaging involves the use of specialist equipment and facilities, Blender provides a unique chance to recreate the visual appeal of SEM scans with 3D rendering techniques.
Using Blender’s diverse tools and materials, illustrators may recreate the rich textures, surface details, and shading effects found in SEM photos, all from the comfort of their own virtual workstation.
In this tutorial, we’ll go over the basic steps of producing SEM-inspired images in Blender, including modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering.
Whether you’re a scientist looking to visualize research findings, an artist looking to explore new creative avenues, or simply curious about the SEM imaging process, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start your own journey into microscopic visualization.
How to Make a Hair Scanned Electron Microscope Image in Blender
Step 1: Create the Hair Strand
- Add a cylinder to the scene.
- Increase the number of vertices to 64 and change the cap fill type to “Nothing.”
- Scale up the cylinder along the z-axis.
- Apply scale by pressing Ctrl + A and selecting “Scale.”
- Right-click on the cylinder and choose “Shade Smooth.”
- Add a Subdivision Surface modifier with a level of 2.
Step 2: Adjust Camera and Materials
- Position the cylinder in the desired view for the camera.
- Enter the Shader Editor.
- Add a new Principled BSDF shader.
- Use Ctrl + T (if Node Wrangler is installed) to add an Image Texture, Mapping, and Texture Coordinates node.
- Open the SEM hair strand texture image in the Image Texture node.
- In the UV Editor, adjust the texture mapping as needed to align with the cylinder’s direction.
- Add a Color Ramp node to control the texture’s intensity.
- Connect the Color Ramp node to the Emission shader and the Principled BSDF shader.
- Reduce the emission strength to 2.2.
- Add a Bump node between the Image Texture and Principled BSDF, connecting color to height and normal.
- Adjust the bump strength to achieve the desired effect.
- Use a Color Ramp node to modify the colors of the SEM image according to your preference.
Blender screen showing the shader editor nodes for the SEM hair strand
Step 3: Finalize the Material and Render
- Switch from Eevee to Cycles rendering.
- In the Material Properties tab, under Settings, change the displacement method to “Displacement and Bump.”
- Add a Displacement node and connect it to the Material Output.
- Plug the color output of the image texture into the height input of the Displacement node.
- Add additional loop cuts to the cylinder to refine the effect.
- Adjust the midlevel and scale in the Displacement node as needed.
- Add a Simple Deform (Bend) modifier to the cylinder to give it a hair strand appearance.
By following these steps, you can create a visually stunning SEM damaged human hair strand image in Blender, perfect for scientific visualization or artistic rendering. Experiment with the settings and adjustments to achieve the desired result.
