Patent ID: 8119425
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a magnetic memory device, comprising: sequentially forming a first magnetic conductor, a tunnel barrier layer, and a second magnetic conductor on a substrate; forming a mask pattern on the second magnetic conductor; performing a primary etching of the second magnetic conductor by using the mask pattern as an etching mask; forming at least one spacer on a sidewall of the second magnetic conductor formed by the primary etching; and performing a secondary etching of the first magnetic conductor by using the mask pattern and the at least one spacer as an etching mask, wherein the first magnetic conductor includes a pinning layer and a pinned layer that are laminated, the pinned layer being formed between the pinning layer and the tunnel barrier layer, wherein a portion of the pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer are etched during the primary etching, wherein the at least one spacer is formed on a sidewall of the second magnetic conductor, a sidewall of the tunnel barrier layer, and a sidewall of the pinned layer formed by the primary etching, and wherein a bottom of the at least one spacer is higher than a bottom of the pinned layer and lower than a top of the pinned layer.