Patent ID: 7635654
Filing Date: 2009-12-22
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an array of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices, comprising: providing a first ferro-magnetic electrode and a second ferro-magnetic electrode; forming an insulating layer between the first and second ferro-magnetic electrodes, comprising: depositing a layer of an oxidizable material of a first thickness on the first electrode; exposing the layer of the oxidizable material to a natural oxidation process to convert at least part of the oxidizable material to an insulating oxide portion; and subsequent to exposing the layer of the oxidizable material to a natural oxidation process, exposing the insulating oxide portion to a further rapid oxidation process providing substantially accelerated oxidation compared to the natural oxidation process, so as to convert at least part of a remaining portion of the layer of the oxidizable material and the insulating oxide portion to the insulating layer on the first ferro-magnetic electrode; wherein the second ferro-magnetic electrode is formed on the insulating layer.