Patent · US Active

Method for forming a perpendicular spin torque oscillator (PSTO) including forming a magneto resistive sensor (MR) over a spin torque oscillator (STO)

US12414476B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
13References
20Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateApr 14, 2021
Grant dateSep 9, 2025
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 15, 2042

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B2005/3996
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of forming a MTJ with a tunnel barrier having a high tunneling magnetoresistance ratio, and low resistance x area value is disclosed. The method preserves perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in bottom and top magnetic layers that adjoin bottom and top surfaces of the tunnel barrier. A key feature is a passive oxidation step of a first Mg layer that is deposited on the bottom magnetic layer wherein a maximum oxygen pressure is 10-5 torr. A bottom portion of the first Mg layer remains unoxidized thereby protecting the bottom magnetic layer from substantial oxidation during subsequent oxidation and anneal processes that are employed to complete the fabrication of the tunnel barrier and MTJ. An uppermost Mg layer may be formed as the top layer in the tunnel barrier stack before a top magnetic layer is deposited.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.