Patent ID: 8247880
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetic memory device comprising: a free layer; a write element to change the magnetization direction of the free layer; and a read element to sense the magnetization direction of the free layer, wherein the write element comprises a current confinement layer having a width smaller than the minimum width of the free layer to locally increase the density of a current flowing through the write element, wherein the read element comprises a lower pinning layer, a lower pinned layer, and a tunnel insulating layer, and the write element comprises a nonmagnetic metal layer, the current confinement layer, an upper pinned layer, and an upper pinning layer, wherein the tunnel insulating layer of the read element contacts one side of the free layer such that the read element and the free layer constitute a tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) element, and the nonmagnetic metal layer of the write element contacts the other side of the free layer such that the write element and the free layer constitute a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) element, wherein the sidewall of the current confinement layer is horizontally recessed to define a recess region between the nonmagnetic metal layer and the upper pinned layer, and the magnetic memory device further comprises an interlayer dielectric covering the write element and the read element, and wherein the interlayer dielectric defines voids in the recess region.