Abstract: A process for the surface polishing of a silicon wafer, includes the successive polishing of the silicon wafer on at least two different polishing plates covered with polishing cloth, with a continuous supply of alkaline polishing abrasive with SiO2 constituents, an amount of silicon removed during the polishing on a first polishing plate being significantly higher than on a second polishing plate, with the overall amount of silicon removed not exceeding 1.5 &mgr;m. A polishing abrasive (1a), then a mixture of a polishing abrasive (1b) and at least one alcohol, and finally ultrapure water (1c) are added to the first polishing plate, and a mixture of a polishing abrasive (2a) and at least one alcohol and then ultrapure water (2b) are added to the second plate.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating a polished semiconductor wafer immediately after the semiconductor wafer has been polished. The semiconductor wafer is brought into contact with an aqueous treatment agent solution and its polished surface is oxidized by the action of the aqueous treatment agent solution.

Abstract: A process for the surface polishing of a silicon wafer, includes the successive polishing of the silicon wafer on at least two different polishing plates covered with polishing cloth, with a continuous supply of alkaline polishing abrasive with SiO2 constituents, an amount of silicon removed during the polishing on a first polishing plate being significantly higher than on a second polishing plate, with the overall amount of silicon removed not exceeding 1.5 &mgr;m. A polishing abrasive (1a), then a mixture of a polishing abrasive (1b) and at least one alcohol, and finally ultrapure water (1c) are added to the first polishing plate, and a mixture of a polishing abrasive (2a) and at least one alcohol and then ultrapure water (2b) are added to the second plate.

Abstract: A process and device for polishing semiconductor wafers has at least one side of at least one semiconductor wafer pressed against a polishing plate, over which a polishing cloth is stretched. The semiconductor wafer and the polishing plate are moved relative to each other to polish the wafer. During the polishing, the semiconductor wafer passes over at least two regions on the polishing plate, which regions have defined radial widths and are at different temperatures. Temperature-control means are provided in the polishing plate, with the aid of which the number, the radial widths and the temperatures of the regions are fixed before the semiconductor wafers are polished.

Abstract: A method is for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, which are mounted on a front side of a support plate and one side face of which is pressed anst a polishing plate, which is covered with a polishing cloth, with a specific polishing pressure and polished. A device is provided which is suitable for carrying out the method. The method includes a) applying a specific pressure to at least one of a plurality of pressure chambers prior to the polishing of the semiconductor wafers, and b) during the polishing of the semiconductor wafers, transmitting the polishing pressure to a rear side of the support plate via elastic bearing surfaces of the pressure chambers to which pressure has been applied.