With EAG-provided hardware, the sample can be mounted under an inert gas environment. This is normally accomplished using a glove box/bag either at the client’s site or at EAG. Once mounted in the inert transfer vessel, the sample can be shipped to EAG as needed. The transfer vessel is mounted on the sample introduction port and evacuated, and the sample is then transferred to the analytical chamber for analysis, without exposure to air or moisture. Using this method, Auger and XPS analysis can successfully be performed on samples without exposing them to air. Additionally, a complete glovebox is available for sample handling under argon atmosphere and introduction of the sample material into the XPS equipment. A benefit of the glovebox is that powder samples can be introduced into the XPS without the need of pressing it in Indium or the use of adhesive tape.