The image contrast enhancement in scanning electron microscopy of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on SiO2 surfaces was experimentally investigated using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) using a wide range of primary electron (PE) voltages. SWNT images of different contrasts were obtained at different PE voltages. Image contrast enhancement of SWNTs was investigated by charging SiO2 surfaces at different PE voltages. The phenomena are ascribed to the surface potential difference and charge injection between SWNTs and SiO2 substrates induced by the electron-beam irradiation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.