Patent ID: 7112454
Filing Date: 2006-09-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a magnetic memory cell, comprising: providing a first conductive layer as a blanket layer; providing a barrier layer as a blanket layer over the first conductive layer; providing a second conductive layer as a blanket layer over the barrier layer; providing a hard mask over the second conductive layer, wherein the hard mask defines the region in which the magnetic memory cell is formed; etching the second conductive layer to form an upper portion of the magnetic memory cell; forming a spacer around the upper portion of the magnetic memory cell; etching the barrier layer and the first conductive layer to form a lower portion of the magnetic memory cell, wherein conductive particles of the first conductive layer may be thrown up along a sidewall of the magnetic memory cell as byproducts of the etching of the first conductive layer; and oxidizing the magnetic memory cell using O