A single image from a scanning electron microscope has a โlightingโ effect in the direction of the electron beam. Rotating the stage effectively casts the specimenโhere a sample of lichenโin lighting from different directions:
Rotating and aligning the images makes this clearer:
This presents a fun opportunity. In theatrical lighting, a subject might be lit by multiple colors from different angles for dramatic effect. By artificially coloring and combining the above, the same effect can be imitated for the microscope: