Abstract: Method for improved heating uniformity during rapid thermal annealing through the use of a sacrificial layer covering the surface to be annealed. The composition and thickness of the layer are chosen to be opaque at the frequencies emitted by a radiant energy source, usually a xenon arc lamp, and also to be thermally conductive. The sacrificial layer absorbs the radiant energy and conducts the resulting heat to the surface to be annealed. After the annealing is complete, the sacrificial layer is etched away or left as an overcoat.