Patent ID: 7384811

Claim:
A method for separating a semiconductor wafer joined to a supporting member via a both-faced adhesive sheet from the both-faced adhesive sheet, the method comprising: a first step of weakening adhesive strength of the both-faced adhesive sheet for joining the semiconductor wafer and the supporting member to each other in a state where the supporting member is held in a posture that a surface of the supporting member faces downward and a space is formed between a back face of the semiconductor wafer and separating means; and a second step of separating the semiconductor wafer from the both-faced adhesive sheet while weakening the adhesive strength of the both-faced adhesive sheet and afflicting and suspension-holding the semiconductor wafer in a non-contact manner by a differential pressure generated in a gap between the separating means and the back face of the semiconductor wafer by ejecting gas from the separating means toward the back face of the semiconductor wafer, and of leaving all of the both-faced adhesive sheet on the supporting member.