Samples were glued on a sample holder with a mounting wax (Allied) (see Figure ). After a proper calibration to be sure that the polishing plate is oriented parallel to the sample surface, the system allows tuning the axial and the radial angles between the sample holder and the polishing plate with an increment of 0.02°. Sample load as well as the rotation of the plate or the duration of the polishing can also be adjusted. Diamond lapping films with a grain size of either 0.1 or 0.25 µm were used and the samples were polished dry. Detailed parameters are compiled in Table . To date, no clear correlation between these numerous parameters and success in obtaining a favorable TCS for undistorted surface science studies has been obtained