A system and method using an integral sandwich structure including an insulative layer-photoconductive layer-conductive layer. A removable electrode member is positioned above and connected to the insulative layer by a thin liquid layer having a dipole moment greater than zero, a conductivity sufficient to maintain the electric potential of the surface of the insulative layer at the potential of the electrode member, a surface tension equal to or smaller than the critical surface tension of the insulative layer. Upon removal of the electrode member the liquid evaporates in a time period less than the dark dielectric time constant of the photoconductive insulative layer. A d.c. voltage is applied between the conductive layer and the removable electrode during which time a radiation image is applied to the photoconductive layer to cause an electrical charge image to be produced at the outer surface of the insulative layer. The method then requires removal of the electrode member and after evaporation of the liquid, the photoconductive layer of the structure is subjected to overall radiation.