Process for reclaiming semiconductor wafers and reclaimed wafers

摘要

The present invention is directed to a process for reclaiming for reuse a single crystal silicon wafer removed from an aborted semiconductor device fabrication process. The process includes (a) subjecting the wafer to an oxide growth step to form an oxide layer having a thickness greater than 2 nanometers, (b) thinning the wafer by removing material from substantially the entire front surface to provide a thinned wafer having a thinned precipitate free zone, and (c) polishing the front surface of the thinned wafer to a specular finish.