The effects of Ar-ion implant gettering has been investigated using the linear voltage ramp applied to m.o.s. capacitors. A comparison is made with control (not implanted) samples and N+-ion Rutherford backscattering is used to examine the precipitation of generation impurities by the damaged layers. The gettering anneals were carried out over the temperature range 950°C–1100°C and for various times from 15 min to 120 min. It is shown that long gettering anneal times and high anneal temperatures both have a detrimental effect on minority-carrier lifetime.