Instead of a standard lens, an electron microscope uses electromagnetic fields to bend the paths of electrons.

Here's why:

* Light vs. Electrons: Light microscopes use glass lenses to bend light rays, but electrons are much smaller and have a much shorter wavelength than light. Glass lenses wouldn't work for bending electrons.

* Electromagnetism: Electromagnetic fields, created by coils of wire carrying an electric current, can exert forces on charged particles like electrons. This force can be used to precisely control the path of the electrons, acting as a "lens" to focus the electron beam.

So, instead of glass lenses, electron microscopes use electromagnetic lenses to focus the beam of electrons and create an image.