Abstract: A method of dicing a semiconductor wafer in which a physical discontinuity is formed on the surface of the wafer on both sides of a dicing line to limit the spreading of cracks and chips generated during dicing. Thereafter, the semiconductor wafer is diced to separate the pellets.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a high voltage withstanding vertical MOSFET and a low voltage withstanding element both formed on a single chip. A buried layer of a high impurity concentration is formed in a region where the vertical MOSFET is formed, and another buried layer of a high impurity concentration is formed in a region where the low voltage withstanding element is formed. These buried layers have different thickness, whereby the series resistance of a circuit adjacent to the vertical MOSFET is reduced without lowering the withstand voltage of the vertical MOSFET.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor element which can form a deep P-type impurity region by a diffusion of aluminum. A porous alumina layer is first formed on a semiconductor substrate. Then, a diffusion-protective layer formed of a material having a large oxygen-diffusion-inhibiting ability such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is formed on the porous alumina layer. Subsequently, aluminum ions are implanted in the porous alumina layer through the diffusion-protective layer. Thereafter, a heat treatment is performed to diffuse the aluminum of the aluminum ion-implanted region in the semiconductor substrate, and a P-type impurity region is formed. Alternatively, a porous alumina layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and an aluminum layer is then formed thereon. The diffusion-protective layer is formed on the aluminum layer, and a heat treatment is then performed, thereby diffusing the aluminum forming the aluminum layer in the semiconductor substrate, and a P-type impurity region is thus formed.