A sensor array is formed using sensor elements including first and second intersecting arrays of wires separated by radiation sensitive material. A common signal is input to the first array of the wires and signals from the second array of wires are summed to produce an output signal. The state of the radiation sensitive material is altered by incident radiation transmitted between the wiring and determines the value of the output signal. A plurality of the sensor elements arranged in columns and rows form the sensor array and may be used for a plurality of image analysis applications including pattern recognition and image tracking. Nanowires may be used as the intersecting arrays of wires and the sensor array may be combined with a parallel electron beam source to form a compact electron microscope.