Patent ID: 6519123
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01L

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a magnetic tunnelling element comprising:forming a first magnetic layer, wherein the first magnetic layer includes a first Co layer and a free magnetization layer, wherein direction of the magnetization of the free magnetization layer is susceptible to change in response to an external magnetic field; forming a tunnel barrier layer on the first magnetic layer by oxidizing a metal film through inductively coupled Ar/oxygen plasma from a mixed atmosphere of Ar/oxygen gas; and forming a second magnetic layer over the first magnetic layer, wherein the second magnetic layer includes a pinned magnetization layer positioned against a second Co layer so as to fix a direction of magnetization of the second Co layer in a predetermined direction and wherein the tunnel barrier layer is positioned between the first Co layer and the second Co layer; wherein the step of oxidizing the metal film includes supplying the Ar/oxygen gas at a flow rate of Ar/O2=10/30 sccm and a pressure of 1 Pa and further includes applying 200 W of power to a coil.