Some specimens for SEM observation and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) should be prepared by using "uncommon" methods. For instance, the specimens of Al₂CuLi alloys for such analyses had been prepared by grinding and polishing using a kerosene and paraffin solution as a lubricant, rather than water, which can etch the lithium-rich phases during preparation [1].

[1] Kenneth S. Vecchio and David B. WILLIAMS, Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction Analysis of the T1 (Al2CuLi) Phase in Al-Li-Cu Alloys, Metallurgical Transactions A, 19A, 1988-2885, (1988).