Patent ID: 7183121
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a ferroelectric layer for a vertical ferromagnetic capacitor comprising forming a crystalline ferroelectric layer by a process including the steps of: depositing a ferroelectric layer of amorphous ferroelectric material directly on a layer of a first electrically insulating material; depositing a layer of a second electrically insulating material to cover the ferroelectric layer; etching the ferroelectric layer and the layer of the second electrically insulating material to form isolated ferroelectric elements which have exposed side surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the ferroelectric layer; providing a layer of a third material in contact with each of the side surfaces; and performing an annealing step to crystallize the ferroelectric material; the third material promoting crystallization of the ferroelectric material to a higher degree than the first and second electrically insulating materials, whereby the crystallization proceeds substantially horizontally through each of the ferroelectric elements.