Concentration of metal element which promotes crystallization of silicon
and which exists within a crystalline silicon film obtained by utilizing
the metal element is reduced. A first heat treatment for crystallization
is performed after introducing nickel to an amorphous silicon film 103.
Then, laser light is irradiated to diffuse nickel element which is
concentrated locally. After that, another heat treatment is performed
within an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature higher than that of the
previous heat treatment. At this time, HCl or the like is added to the
atmosphere. A thermal oxide film 106 is formed in this step. At this
time, gettering of the nickel element into the thermal oxide film 106
takes place. Then, the thermal oxide film 106 is removed. Thereby, a
crystalline silicon film 107 having low concentration of the metal
element and a high crystallinity can be obtained.