Method and system for providing a self-aligned electrical contact for a TMR element
US6683763B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N50/01
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and structure for providing a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) element is disclosed. The method and structure include providing a TMR layer that includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer and a first insulating layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The method and structure also include providing a first material and a protective layer. The first material allows electrical contact to be made to the tunneling magnetoresistive layer and is disposed above the tunneling magnetoresistive layer. The first material is capable of being undercut by an plasma etch without exposing a portion of the tunneling magnetoresistive layer under a remaining portion of the first material. The second protective layer covers a portion of the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor and a portion of the first material. In one aspect, the method and structure also include providing a second material disposed between the tunneling magnetoresistive layer and the first material. The second material allows electrical contact to be made to the tunneling magnetoresistive layer and is resistant to removal by the plasma etch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.