Novel method to preserve freshly cleaved surfaces

A novel method is presented by which one can ensure that a freshly cleaved surface is protected from contamination. The surface, cleaved in a protective atmosphere like argon, is dipped into molten camphor while still in the inert environment. The surface can then be transported out of the hood and exposed to regular air. The camphor coating has the advantage of ease of removal and can protect the surface for a time scale as long as hours. The camphor can be removed including the last monolayer without exposing the surface to any stressful treatment as shown by computer controlled thermal desorption measurements.