Abstract: In a method and a device for processing surfaces subject to high stresses by friction in internal combustion engines, especially the honed cylinder bearing surfaces of piston engines, the surface is subjected to a laser beam treatment. A pulsed excimer laser is used in this case. By the laser beam treatment using excimer lasers, a microsmoothing and processing of the honed surface is achieved such that in sliding combinations, e.g., of pistons and cylinders in an internal combustion engine, friction and wear are essentially reduced during the breaking-in phase. This also means a reduction of the amount of oil needed to lubricate the sliding combination. By this means, a combustion that is friendlier to the environment and--possibly--a preservation and thus an increase in durability of the exhaust-gas-purification catalyst is obtained in the case of internal combustion engines.