STT-MRAM cell structures
First Claim
1. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
- etching a dielectric layer to form a recess exposing a portion of a pinned layer; and
depositing conductive nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer,wherein etching the dielectric layer to form the recess comprises removing a portion of the dielectric layer at an outermost edge of the memory cell.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetic cell structure including a nonmagnetic bridge, and methods of fabricating the structure are provided. The magnetic cell structure includes a free layer, a pinned layer, and a nonmagnetic bridge electrically connecting the free layer and the pinned layer. The shape and/or configuration of the nonmagnetic bridge directs a programming current through the magnetic cell structure such that the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer of the structure is less than the cross section of the structure. The decrease in the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer enables a lower programming current to reach a critical switching current density in the free layer and switch the magnetization of the free layer, programming the magnetic cell.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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etching a dielectric layer to form a recess exposing a portion of a pinned layer; and depositing conductive nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer, wherein etching the dielectric layer to form the recess comprises removing a portion of the dielectric layer at an outermost edge of the memory cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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etching a dielectric layer to form a recess exposing a portion of a pinned layer; depositing nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer; and depositing dielectric material in the recess such that the dielectric material, the dielectric layer and the nonmagnetic material collectively form a single layer. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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etching a dielectric layer to form a recess exposing a portion of a pinned layer; and depositing nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer, wherein; etching the dielectric layer to form a recess exposes a portion of a free layer; and depositing the nonmagnetic material in the recess comprises depositing the nonmagnetic material by conformal vapor deposition in contact with the portion of the free layer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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etching a dielectric layer to form a recess exposing a portion of a pinned layer; depositing nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer; depositing dielectric material to surround the sides of the nonmagnetic material, wherein a layer of dielectric and nonmagnetic material is formed; planarizing the layer of dielectric and nonmagnetic material to expose the nonmagnetic material; and depositing a free layer on the layer of dielectric and nonmagnetic material, wherein the free layer is in contact with the nonmagnetic material.
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13. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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forming a recess in a dielectric layer to expose a portion of a pinned layer; and depositing conductive nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer, wherein forming the recess in the dielectric layer comprises forming a recess in the dielectric layer to expose a portion of a free layer overlying the dielectric layer. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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forming a recess in a dielectric layer to expose a portion of a pinned layer; and depositing nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer, wherein forming the recess comprises removing an outer portion of the dielectric layer such that an annular void around the dielectric layer is formed. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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forming a recess in a dielectric layer to expose a portion of a pinned layer; and depositing nonmagnetic material in the recess in contact with the portion of the pinned layer, wherein forming the recess comprises removing a portion of the dielectric at a center of the memory cell.
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20. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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forming a pinned ferromagnetic layer; forming a dielectric layer on the pinned ferromagnetic layer; forming a free ferromagnetic layer on the dielectric layer; forming a recess in the dielectric layer; and forming a conductive nonmagnetic material in the recess, wherein forming the nonmagnetic material in the recess comprises disposing the nonmagnetic material in the recess, wherein the recess is formed about a perimeter of the dielectric material such that dielectric material is surrounded about a perimeter of the nonmagnetic material. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of fabricating a memory cell comprising:
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forming a pinned ferromagnetic layer; forming a dielectric layer on the pinned ferromagnetic layer; forming a free ferromagnetic layer on the dielectric layer; forming a recess in the dielectric layer; and forming a nonmagnetic material in the recess, wherein forming the nonmagnetic material in the recess comprises disposing the nonmagnetic material in the recess, wherein the recess is formed in a center of the dielectric material such that a perimeter of the nonmagnetic material is surrounded by the dielectric material.
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Specification