This is a proposal to design and build a lens optimized for operation at low voltage in a scanning electron microscope, and to combine the lens, field emission gun, and other components into a working prototype of a LVSEM instrument that should have size, lost, and performance advantages over existing instruments. The project is undertaken cooperatively with AMRay corporation, where the contribution will take place, and where a successful prototype could become the basis for a commercial instrument. The prototype will be transferred to the 1 MR facility in Madison.