Patent ID: 7134942
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: B23K,B24B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A wafer processing method for dividing a wafer having optical devices that are formed in a plurality of areas sectioned by dividing lines formed in a lattice pattern on a front surface, along the dividing lines, comprising: a laser beam application step of applying a laser beam of a wavelength absorbed by the wafer to the wafer along the dividing lines from the side of a back surface thereof to form grooves having a predetermined depth in the back surface; a protective sheet affixing step of affixing a protective sheet to the front surface of the wafer having the grooves in the back surface; a dividing step of dividing the wafer having the protective sheet affixed to the front surface along the grooves; and a grinding step of grinding the back surface of the wafer divided along the grooves in a state of the protective sheet being affixed to the wafer, to remove the grooves.