What significant detail can a Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyze that a Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) cannot?

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) excels at providing high-resolution images that allow for the identification of specific types of fibers, particularly at the nanoscale level. This capability is due to TEM's use of electrons for imaging, which can resolve structures that are much smaller than the wavelengths of visible light used in Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM). TEM can differentiate between different asbestos fiber types, such as chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, based on their morphology and structural features.

PCM, on the other hand, primarily enhances the contrast of specimens that are not stained and relies on the refractive index of the fibers. While PCM is useful for counting asbestos fibers and providing an overview of their presence, it does not have the resolution needed to accurately identify specific types of fibers.

Thus, the ability of TEM to analyze and differentiate among specific fiber types highlights its advantage over PCM in certain applications within asbestos analysis.