Patent attributes
A method of dividing a wafer which is partitioned by a plurality of first dividing lines extending in a predetermined direction and a plurality of second dividing, lines formed in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of first dividing lines, along the first dividing lines and the second dividing lines, comprising the step of forming a first continuous deteriorated layer in the inside of the wafer along the first dividing lines by applying a laser beam along the first dividing lines; the step of forming a second deteriorated layer in the inside of the wafer along the second dividing lines except for the intersections with the first dividing lines by applying a laser beam along the second dividing lines except for the intersections with the first dividing lines; the step of dividing the wafer along the first dividing lines where the first deteriorated layer has been formed by exerting external force to the wafer along the first dividing lines; and the step of dividing the wafer along the second dividing lines where the second deteriorated layer has been formed by exerting external force to the wafer along the second dividing lines.
