n. a stable elementary particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids. electron beam a stream of electrons in a gas or vacuum. electron diffraction the diffraction of a beam of electrons by atoms or molecules, used for determining crystal structures etc. electron gun a device for producing a narrow stream of electrons from a heated cathode. electron lens a device for focusing a stream of electrons by means of electric or magnetic fields. electron microscope a microscope with high magnification and resolution, employing electron beams in place of light and using electron lenses. electron pair an electron and a positron. electron spin resonance a spectroscopic method of locating electrons within the molecules of a paramagnetic substance. °Abbr.: ESR.
[ ELECTRIC + -ON ]