Method of producing a vertically inhomogeneous platinum or gold distribution in a semiconductor substrate with a first and a second surface opposite the first surface, with diffusing platinum or gold into the semiconductor substrate from one of the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, removing platinum- or gold-comprising residues remaining on the one of the first and second surfaces after diffusing the platinum or gold, forming a phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer on the first or second surface, and heating the semiconductor substrate for local gettering of the platinum or gold by the phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer.