MAGNETIC MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME

A magnetic memory device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The magnetic memory device includes a pinned layer pattern, a free layer pattern including boron (B), a tunnel barrier layer pattern between the pinned layer pattern and the free layer pattern, an oxide layer pattern spaced apart from the tunnel barrier layer pattern with the free layer pattern therebetween, the oxide layer pattern including a metal borate, and a capping layer pattern spaced apart from the free layer pattern with the oxide layer pattern therebetween, the capping layer pattern including a metal boride, wherein a difference between a boron concentration of the free layer pattern and a boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern is 10 at % or less, and a difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern and a boron concentration of the capping layer pattern is 10 at % or less.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0022608, filed on Feb. 21, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. 119, the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present inventive concept relates to a magnetic memory device and a method for fabricating the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

As electronic apparatuses become faster and lower power, memory devices equipped therein also require rapid read/write operations and a low operating voltage. A magnetic memory device is being researched as the memory device that satisfies such a requirement. The magnetic memory device is non-volatile, capable of operating at a high speed, and therefore is spotlighted as a next-generation memory.

Meanwhile, as the magnetic memory device becomes more and more highly integrated, a STT-MRAM which stores information using a spin transfer torque (STT) phenomenon is being researched. The STT-MRAM may store information by inducing magnetization reversal by directly applying a current to a magnetic tunnel junction element. Highly integrated STT-MRAM requires a high-speed operation and a low current operation.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present inventive concept provide a magnetic memory device having improved product reliability, performance and dispersion.

Aspects of the present inventive concept also provide a method for fabricating a magnetic memory device having improved product reliability, performance and dispersion.

However, aspects of the present inventive concept are not restricted to the ones set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present inventive concept will become more apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventive concept pertains by referencing the detailed description of the present inventive concept given below.

According to aspects of the present inventive concept, there is provided a magnetic memory device comprising a pinned layer pattern, a free layer pattern including boron (B), a tunnel barrier layer pattern between the pinned layer pattern and the free layer pattern, an oxide layer pattern spaced apart from the tunnel barrier layer pattern with the free layer pattern therebetween, the oxide layer pattern including a metal borate, and a capping layer pattern spaced apart from the free layer pattern with the oxide layer pattern therebetween, the capping layer pattern including a metal boride, wherein a difference between a boron concentration of the free layer pattern and a boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern is 10 at % or less, and a difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern and a boron concentration of the capping layer pattern is 10 at % or less.

According to aspects of the present inventive concept, there is provided a magnetic memory device comprising a pinned layer pattern, a free layer pattern including at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), and boron (B), a tunnel barrier layer pattern between the pinned layer pattern and the free layer pattern, an oxide layer pattern spaced apart from the tunnel barrier layer pattern with the free layer pattern therebetween, the oxide layer pattern including at least one of TaBO, MgBO, FeBO, CoBO, CoFeBO, IrBO, RuBO, MoBO, HfBO and ZrBO, and a capping layer pattern spaced apart from the free layer pattern with the oxide layer pattern therebetween, the capping layer pattern including at least one of TaB, MgB, CoFeB, IrB, RuB, MoB, HfB and ZrB, wherein a difference between a boron concentration of the free layer pattern and a boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern is 10 at % or less, and a difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern and a boron concentration of the capping layer pattern is 10 at % or less.

According to aspects of the present inventive concept, there is provided a magnetic memory device comprising a seed layer pattern on a substrate, a pinned layer pattern on an upper surface of the seed layer pattern, a tunnel barrier layer pattern on an upper surface of the pinned layer pattern, a free layer pattern including boron (B), on an upper surface of the tunnel barrier layer pattern, an oxide layer pattern including a metal borate, on an upper surface of the free layer pattern, and a capping layer pattern on an upper surface of the oxide layer pattern, wherein the capping layer pattern includes a first non-magnetic capping layer, a capping metal layer and a second non-magnetic capping layer that are sequentially stacked on the oxide layer pattern, each of the first non-magnetic capping layer and the second non-magnetic capping layer includes a non-magnetic metal, the capping metal layer includes a metal boride, and a difference between a boron concentration of the free layer pattern, a boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern, and a boron concentration of the capping metal layer is 10 at % or less.

According to aspects of the present inventive concept, there is provided a method for fabricating a magnetic memory device, the method comprising forming a pinned layer on a substrate, forming a tunnel barrier layer on the pinned layer, forming a free layer including boron (B) on the tunnel barrier layer, forming an oxide layer including a metal borate on the free layer, forming a capping layer including a metal boride on the oxide layer, and performing an annealing process after forming the capping layer, wherein a difference between a boron concentration of the free layer and a boron concentration of the oxide layer is 10 at % or less, and the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer and a boron concentration of the capping layer is 10 at % or less.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A magnetic memory device according to exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference toFIGS.1to9.

FIG.1is an exemplary block diagram of a magnetic memory device according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the magnetic memory device according to some embodiments includes a cell array10, a row decoder20, a column decoder30, a read/write circuit40, and a control logic50.

The cell array10may include a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines. Memory cells may be connected at points on which the word lines intersect the bit lines. The cell array10will be described in more detail below in the description relating toFIG.2.

The row decoder20may be connected to the cell array10through the word lines. The row decoder20may decode an address input from outside to select one of the plurality of word lines.

The column decoder30may be connected to the cell array10through the bit lines. The column decoder30may decode the address input from outside to select one of the plurality of bit lines. The bit lines selected by the column decoder30may be connected to the read/write circuit40.

The read/write circuit40may provide bit line bias for accessing selected memory cells under the control of the control logic50. For example, the read/write circuit40may provide bit line bias to selected bit lines for writing or reading the input data to the memory cells.

The control logic50may output control signals for controlling the magnetic memory device according to externally provided command signals. The control signals output from the control logic50may control the read/write circuit40.

FIG.2is an exemplary circuit diagram for explaining a cell array of the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the cell array10includes a plurality of bit lines BL, a plurality of word lines WL, and a plurality of unit memory cells MC.

The word lines WL may extend in a first direction. The bit lines BL may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and intersect the word lines WL.

Unit memory cells MC may be arranged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. Each unit memory cell MC may be connected to intersection points between the word lines WL and the bit lines BL that intersect each other. Therefore, each unit memory cell MC connected to the word lines WL may be connected to the read/write circuit (e.g., read/write circuit40ofFIG.1) through the bit line BL. Each unit memory cell MC may include a magnetic tunnel junction element ME and a selection element SE.

The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be connected between the bit line BL and the selection element SE, and the selection element SE may be connected between the magnetic tunnel junction element ME and the word line WL. The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may include a pinned layer, a free layer, and a tunnel barrier layer. The magnetic tunnel junction element ME will be described below in more detail in the description relating toFIGS.3and4.

The selection element SE may be configured to selectively control a flow of charge passing through the magnetic tunnel junction element ME. For example, the selection element SE may include at least one of a diode, a PNP bipolar transistor, an NPN bipolar transistor, an NMOS field effect transistor, and a PMOS field effect transistor. When the selection element SE is made up of a bipolar transistor or a MOS field effect transistor, which are three-terminal elements, additional wiring (e.g., a source line) may be connected to the selection element SE.

FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the magnetic tunnel junction element of the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments.FIG.4is a schematic graph for explaining a boron (B) concentration distribution and an oxygen (O) concentration distribution of the magnetic tunnel junction element ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME of the magnetic memory device according to some embodiments includes a pinned layer pattern130, a tunnel barrier layer pattern140, a free layer pattern150, an oxide layer pattern160, and a capping layer pattern170.

The pinned layer pattern130may have a fixed magnetization direction. For example, the magnetization direction of the pinned layer pattern130may be fixed regardless of a program current passing through it.

The pinned layer pattern130may include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the pinned layer pattern130may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an amorphous rare earth element alloy: a multi-layer thin film in which a ferromagnetic metal (FM) and a nonmagnetic metal (NM) are alternately stacked: an alloy having an Llo type crystal structure: a cobalt-based alloy: and combinations thereof.

The amorphous rare earth element alloy may include, for example, alloys such as TbFe, TbCo, TbFeCo, DyTbFeCo, and GdTbCo. The multi-layer thin film in which the ferromagnetic metal and the non-magnetic metal are alternately stacked may include, for example, multi-layer thin films such as Co/Pt, Co/Pd, CoCr/Pt, Co/Ru, Co/Os, Co/Au, and Ni/Cu. The alloy having the Llo type crystal structure may include, for example, alloys such as Fe50Pt50, Fe50Pd50, Co50Pt50, Fe50Ni20Pt50, and Co50Ni20Pt50. The cobalt-based alloy may include, for example, alloys such as CoCr, CoPt, CoCrPt, CoCrTa, CoCrPtTa, CoCrNb, and CoFeB. As an example, the pinned layer pattern130may be formed of and/or may include a CoFeB film.

In some embodiments, the pinned layer pattern130may have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). For example, the pinned layer pattern130may have a magnetization easy axis in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the pinned layer pattern130(or a thickness direction of the pinned layer pattern130, e.g., a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate100). A unidirectional arrow of the pinned layer pattern130ofFIG.3indicates that the magnetization direction of the pinned layer pattern130is fixed perpendicularly.

The free layer pattern150may have variable magnetization directions. For example, the magnetization direction of the free layer pattern150may be variable depending on the program current passing through it. In some embodiments, the magnetization direction of the free layer pattern150may be changed by a spin transfer torque (STT).

The free layer pattern150may include at least one magnetic element. The magnetic element of the free layer pattern150may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may include at least one magnetic element and boron (B). For example, the free layer pattern150may include boron (B) and at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni). As an example, the free layer pattern150may be formed of and/or may include a CoFeB film.

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 30 at %. In some embodiments, the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150may be between about 15 at % and about 25 at %.

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the free layer pattern150. In this specification, the term “uniform” means not only complete uniformity, but also minute differences that may occur due to process margins and the like.

In some other embodiments, the free layer pattern150may not include boron (B). As an example, the free layer pattern150may be formed of and/or may include a CoFe film.

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may have a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). For example, the free layer pattern150may have an easy magnetization axis in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the free layer pattern150(or the thickness direction of the free layer pattern150, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate100). A double-headed arrow of the free layer pattern150ofFIG.3indicates that the magnetization direction of the free layer pattern150may be magnetized to be parallel or antiparallel to the magnetization direction of the pinned layer pattern130.

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may include magnetic elements that may be coupled with oxygen atoms to induce interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (i-PMA). The magnetic element may be, for example, iron (Fe). As an example, the free layer pattern150may be formed of and/or may include a CoFeB film or a CoFe film.

In some embodiments, the free layer pattern150may be amorphous. As an example, the free layer pattern150may be formed of and/or may include an amorphous CoFeB film or an amorphous CoFe film.

The tunnel barrier layer pattern140may be interposed between the pinned layer pattern130and the free layer pattern150. The tunnel barrier layer pattern140may be provided as an insulated tunnel barrier that generates quantum mechanical tunneling between the pinned layer pattern130and the free layer pattern150. In example embodiments, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140may contact an upper surface of the pinned layer pattern130and a lower surface of the free layer pattern150.

The tunnel barrier layer pattern140may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon oxide (SiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum nitride (AlN), and combinations thereof. For example, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140may include a magnesium oxide film (MgO film) having a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure or a sodium chloride (NaCl) crystal structure.

The magnetic tunnel junction element ME which includes the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, and the free layer pattern150, may function as a variable resistance element that may switch between two resistance states by an electrical signal (e.g., program current) applied thereto. For example, when the magnetization direction of the pinned layer pattern130and the magnetization direction of the free layer pattern150are parallel (e.g., in the same direction), the magnetic tunnel junction element ME has a low resistance value, which may be stored as data “0”. In contrast, when the magnetization direction of the pinned layer pattern130and the magnetization direction of the free layer pattern150are antiparallel (e.g., in opposite directions), the magnetic tunnel junction element ME has a high resistance value, which may be stored as data “1”.

In some embodiments, the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, and the free layer pattern150may be sequentially stacked on the substrate100. The substrate100may be, for example, but is not limited to, a silicon substrate, a gallium arsenide substrate, a silicon germanium substrate, a ceramic substrate, a quartz substrate or a display glass substrate, or may be an SOI (Semiconductor On Insulator) substrate.

The oxide layer pattern160may be spaced apart from the tunnel barrier layer pattern140with the free layer pattern150therebetween. For example, the oxide layer pattern160may be stacked on an upper surface of the free layer pattern150. In some embodiments, the oxide layer pattern160may be in contact with the free layer pattern150.

The oxide layer pattern160may include a metal oxide. For example, the oxide layer pattern160may include tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and alloys thereof. Although the oxide layer pattern160is shown as a single film inFIG.3, this is only an example, and the oxide layer pattern160may include multiple films including different metal oxides from each other.

The oxide layer pattern160may induce magnetic anisotropy at the interface with the free layer pattern150to improve the magnetic anisotropy of the free layer pattern150. For example, oxygen atoms supplied from the oxide layer pattern160induce interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (i-PMA) at the interface with the free layer pattern150, and may improve the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of the free layer pattern150.

In some embodiments, the oxide layer pattern160may have an oxygen concentration gradient. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the oxygen concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may decrease from the capping layer pattern170toward the free layer pattern150. For example, the oxygen concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be greater in a region near the capping layer pattern170than in a region near the free pattern layer pattern150.

If the free layer pattern150includes boron (B), the oxide layer pattern160may further include boron (B). For example, the oxide layer pattern160may include metal borate. The metal borate may include, for example, at least one of TaBO, MgBO, FeBO, CoBO, CoFeBO, IrBO, RuBO, MoBO, HfBO and ZrBO. As an example, the oxide layer pattern160may be formed of and/or may include a TaBO film.

The oxide layer pattern160may have a boron concentration of a level similar to that of the free layer pattern150. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be equal to the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150. In this specification, the term “same” means not only complete uniformity, but also minute differences that may occur due to process margins and the like.

In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150and the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be about 10 at % or less. As an example, if the free layer pattern150has a boron concentration of about 20 at %, the oxide layer pattern160may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 30 at %. When a difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150and the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160exceeds about 10 at %, boron atoms spread between the free layer pattern150and the oxide layer pattern160, and characteristics of the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may deteriorate. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150and the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be about 5 at % or less. In further embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150and the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be about 1 at % or less.

In some embodiments, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160may be equal to or smaller than the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150. As an example, if the free layer pattern150has a boron concentration of about 20 at %, the oxide layer pattern160may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 20 at %.

In some embodiments, the oxide layer pattern160may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the oxide layer pattern160.

If the free layer pattern150does not include boron (B), the oxide layer pattern160may also not include boron (B). For example, the oxide layer pattern160may include at least one of TaO, MgO, WO, IrO, RuO, MoO, HfO, and ZrO. As an example, the oxide layer pattern160may be formed of and/or may include a TaO layer.

The capping layer pattern170may be spaced apart from the free layer pattern150with the oxide layer pattern160therebetween. For example, the capping layer pattern170may be stacked on the upper surface of the oxide layer pattern160. In some embodiments, the capping layer pattern170may be in contact with the oxide layer pattern160.

The capping layer pattern170may include a metal or a metal nitride. The metal may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr). The metal nitride may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), niobium nitride (NbN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), and combinations thereof. The capping layer pattern170may protect the magnetic tunnel junction element ME in a subsequent process after the capping layer pattern170is formed.

In some embodiments, a part of the capping layer pattern170adjacent to the oxide layer pattern160may include oxygen. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the oxygen concentration of the capping layer pattern170adjacent to the oxide layer pattern160may decrease, as it goes away from the oxide layer pattern160.

If the free layer pattern150includes boron (B), the capping layer pattern170may further include boron (B). For example, the capping layer pattern170may include metal boride. The metal boride may be formed of and/or may include, for example, at least one of TaB, MgB, CoFeB, IrB, RuB, MoB, HfB, and ZrB. As an example, the capping layer pattern170may be formed of and/or may include a TaB film.

The capping layer pattern170may have a boron concentration of a level similar to that of the oxide layer pattern160. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be equal to the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160.

In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be about 10 at % or less. As an example, if the oxide layer pattern160has a boron concentration of about 20 at %, the capping layer pattern170may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 30 at %. If the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170exceeds about 10 at %, boron atoms spread between the oxide layer pattern160and the capping layer pattern170, and characteristics of the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may deteriorate. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be about 5 at % or less. In further embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be about 1 at % or less.

In some embodiments, the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be equal to or greater than the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160. As an example, if the oxide layer pattern160has a boron concentration of about 20 at %, the capping layer pattern170may have a boron concentration of about 20 at % to about 30 at %.

In some embodiments, the capping layer pattern170may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the capping layer pattern170(e.g., a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate100).

If the free layer pattern150does not include boron (B), the capping layer pattern170may also not include boron (B). For example, the capping layer pattern170may include at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr). As an example, the capping layer pattern170may be formed of and/or may include a Ta film.

In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160, and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be about 10 at % or less. As an example, when the free layer pattern150has a boron concentration of about 20 at %, the oxide layer pattern160and the capping layer pattern170may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 30 at %, respectively. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping layer pattern170may be equal to or less than about 5 at %, and in further embodiments, equal to or less than about 1 at %.

In some embodiments, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may further include a seed layer pattern120. The pinned layer pattern130may be stacked on the upper surface of the seed layer pattern120. The pinned layer pattern130may contact the upper surface of the seed layer pattern120. The seed layer pattern120may be provided as a seed layer of the pinned layer pattern130. For example, when the pinned layer pattern130is formed of a material having an Llo crystal structure, the seed layer pattern120may include conductive metal nitrides having a face-centered cubic crystal structure (FCC crystal structure or sodium chloride (NaCl) crystal structure) (e.g., titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, chromium nitride, or vanadium nitride). Alternatively, for example, if the pinned layer pattern130has a dense hexagonal crystal structure, the seed layer pattern120may include a conductive material (e.g., ruthenium) having a dense hexagonal crystal structure.

In some embodiments, the seed layer pattern120may include at least one of tantalum (Ta), ruthenium (Ru), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), and nitrides thereof. In some embodiments, the seed layer pattern120may be made up of multi-layered thin films in which different non-magnetic metals are stacked. For example, the seed layer pattern120may include a first non-magnetic seed layer and a second non-magnetic seed layer that are sequentially stacked. The first non-magnetic seed layer may include tantalum (Ta), and the second non-magnetic seed layer may include platinum (Pt), but is not limited thereto.

The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be connected to the selection element (e.g., selection element SE ofFIG.2) on the substrate100. For example, a first interlayer insulating film105, a contact plug110, and a lower electrode pattern BE may be formed on the substrate100.

The first interlayer insulating film105may cover the upper surface of the substrate100. The first interlayer insulating film105may contact the upper surface of the substrate100. The first interlayer insulating film105may include, for example, but is not limited to, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

The contact plug110penetrates the first interlayer insulating film105and may be connected to the selection element (e.g., selection element SE ofFIG.2) on the substrate100. The contact plug110may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of a conductive material, for example, a doped semiconductor material (e.g., doped silicon), a metal (e.g., tungsten, aluminum, copper, titanium, and/or tantalum), a conductive metal nitride (e.g., titanium nitride, tantalum nitride and/or tungsten nitride), and metal-semiconductor compounds (e.g., metal silicide).

A lower electrode pattern BE may be formed on the first interlayer insulating film105and the contact plug110. The lower electrode pattern BE may contact upper surfaces of the first interlayer insulating film105and the contact plug110. The lower electrode pattern BE may be electrically connected to the contact plug110. The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be formed on the lower electrode pattern BE. For example, the lower electrode pattern BE may be interposed between the contact plug110and the magnetic tunnel junction element ME. For example, the lower electrode pattern BE may contact a lower surface of the seed layer pattern120. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be electrically connected to the selection element (e.g., selection element SE ofFIG.2) on the substrate100. The lower electrode pattern BE may include, for example, but is not limited to, a conductive metal (e.g., titanium or tantalum) or a conductive metal nitride (e.g., titanium nitride or tantalum nitride).

The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be connected with a conductive line200on the magnetic tunnel junction element ME. For example, the upper electrode pattern TE, the second interlayer insulating film190, and the conductive line200may be formed on the magnetic tunnel junction element ME.

An upper electrode pattern TE may be formed on the magnetic tunnel junction element ME. For example, the upper electrode pattern TE may be stacked on an upper surface of the capping layer pattern170. For example, the upper electrode pattern TE may contact an upper surface of the capping layer pattern170. The upper electrode pattern TE may include, for example, but is not limited to, a conductive metal or a conductive metal nitride. For example, the upper electrode pattern TE may include at least one of ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), and nitrides thereof.

A second interlayer insulating film190may be formed on the first interlayer insulating film105. The second interlayer insulating film190may cover the first interlayer insulating film105, the lower electrode pattern BE, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME, and the upper electrode pattern TE. For example, the second interlayer insulating film190may contact an upper surface of the first interlayer insulating film105and side surfaces of the lower electrode pattern BE, the seed layer pattern120, the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, the free layer pattern150, the oxide layer pattern160, the capping layer pattern170, and the upper electrode pattern TE. The second interlayer insulating film190may include, for example, but is not limited to, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride or the like.

The conductive line200may be formed on the second interlayer insulating film190and the upper electrode pattern TE. For example, the conductive line200may contact upper surfaces of the upper electrode pattern TE and the second interlayer insulating film190. The conductive line200may be electrically connected to the upper electrode pattern TE. For example, the upper electrode pattern TE may be interposed between the magnetic tunnel junction element ME and the conductive line200. Accordingly, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may be electrically connected to the conductive line200. In some embodiments, the conductive line200may be provided as a bit line BL ofFIG.2.

An amorphous magnetic material containing boron (B) may be used as the free layer of the magnetic tunnel junction element. However, in a high-temperature process for fabricating a magnetic memory device including the magnetic tunnel junction element, there is a problem that boron atoms contained in the free layer spread into adjacent layers, and deteriorate the characteristics of the magnetic memory device. For example, in a high temperature process such as a heat treatment process and/or post-process (or Back End Of Line (BEOL)), boron atoms of the free layer may spread toward an oxide layer and/or a capping layer stacked on the free layer. Accordingly, the amorphous magnetic material of the free layer may change to a crystalline material, or excess oxygen of the oxide layer may flow into the free layer from which boron leaves, thereby deteriorating the dispersion of the magnetic memory device.

However, in the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments, since the magnetic tunnel junction element ME includes the free layer pattern150, the oxide layer pattern160, and the capping layer pattern170, it is possible to prevent the boron atoms contained in the free layer pattern150from spreading. Specifically, as explained above, since the free layer pattern150, the oxide layer pattern160, and the capping layer pattern170have boron concentrations of the same as or similar levels to each other, it is possible to minimize spread of boron atoms depending on the boron concentration gradient. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a magnetic memory device in which dispersion is improved and product reliability and performance are enhanced.

Hereinafter, effects of the magnetic memory device according to some embodiments will be described with reference to Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, andFIGS.5A to6B.

The magnetic tunnel junction element was fabricated, using CoFeB film as a pinned layer pattern, an MgO film as a tunnel barrier layer pattern, a CoFeB film containing about 19 at % of boron (B) as a free layer pattern, a TaBO film containing about 19 at % of boron (B) as an oxide layer pattern (e.g., oxide layer pattern160), and a TaB film containing about 19 at % of boron (B) as a capping layer pattern (e.g., capping layer pattern170).

Comparative Example 1

The magnetic tunnel junction element was fabricated in the manner similar to Example 1, except that a TaO film was used as the oxide layer pattern.

Comparative Example 2

The magnetic tunnel junction element was fabricated in the manner similar to Example 1 above, except that a double film of Ta/TaB was used as the oxide layer pattern in Example 1 above.

Comparative Example 3

The magnetic tunnel junction element was fabricated in the manner similar to Example 1 above, except that a double film of Ta/CoFeB was used as the oxide layer pattern in Example 1 above.

Next, an annealing temperature was changed, and a switching current ISWand a parallel resistance RPof the magnetic tunnel junction elements according to Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were measured and shown inFIGS.5A to6B. Specifically,FIG.5Ais a graph showing the switching current ISWof the magnetic tunnel junction element depending on the annealing temperature.FIG.5Bis a graph showing a coefficient of variation CV of the switching current ISW depending on the annealing temperature.FIG.6Ais a graph showing the parallel resistance RPof the magnetic tunnel junction element depending on the annealing temperature.FIG.6Bis a graph showing the coefficient of variation CV of the parallel resistance RP depending on the annealing temperature.

Referring toFIGS.5A and6A, unlike the magnetic tunnel junction elements of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, in which all or part of the oxide layer pattern does not include boron, it may be seen that the magnetic tunnel junction element of Example 1 has relatively uniform switching current ISWand parallel resistance RPat a wide range of annealing temperatures (350° C. to 400° C.). Also, referring toFIGS.5B and6B, it may be seen that the magnetic tunnel junction element according to Example 1 exhibits a relatively low coefficient of variation CV even at an increased annealing temperature. Accordingly, it may be confirmed that the magnetic tunnel junction element according to Example 1 exhibits improved dispersion compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

FIGS.7to10are various schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the magnetic tunnel junction element ME of the magnetic memory device according to some embodiments. For convenience of explanation, repeated description of contents explained above usingFIGS.1to4will be briefly explained or omitted.

Referring toFIG.7, in the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME further includes an interfacial layer159

The interfacial layer159may be interposed between the free layer pattern150and the oxide layer pattern160. The interfacial layer159may be formed by combining a part of the free layer pattern150adjacent to the oxide layer pattern160with oxygen atoms supplied from the oxide layer pattern160. The interfacial layer159may induce perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (i-PMA) to improve the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of the free layer pattern150. In some embodiments, the interfacial layer159may include iron-oxygen (Fe-O) bonds.

Referring toFIG.8, in the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments, the pinned layer pattern130includes synthetic anti-ferromagnet (SAF).

For example, the pinned layer pattern130may include a first sub-pinned layer132, an anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134, and a second sub-pinned layer136that are sequentially stacked on the seed layer pattern120. The pinned layer pattern130may exhibit, for example, anti-ferromagnetic coupling (AFC) characteristics due to RKKY (Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida) interaction. For example, as shown, the magnetization directions of the first sub-pinned layer132and the magnetization directions of the second sub-pinned layer136are aligned antiparallel to minimize the total amount of magnetization of the pinned layer pattern130. Since the first sub-pinned layer132and the second sub-pinned layer136constitute the pinned layer pattern130, they may have a fixed magnetization direction.

The first sub-pinned layer132and the second sub-pinned layer136may each include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the first sub-pinned layer132and the second sub-pinned layer136may include at least one of an amorphous rare earth element alloy, multi-layer thin films in which a ferromagnetic metal (FM) and a nonmagnetic metal (NM) are alternately stacked, alloys having an Llo type crystal structure, cobalt-based alloys, and combinations thereof.

The anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134may be interposed between the first sub-pinned layer132and the second sub-pinned layer136. The first sub-pinned layer132and the second sub-pinned layer136may form an anti-ferromagnetic coupling (AFC) via the anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134. The anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134may include a nonmagnetic material, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of ruthenium (Ru), chromium (Cr), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh), osmium (Os), rhenium (Re), gold (Au), copper (Cu), and combinations thereof.

Referring toFIG.9, in the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments, the capping layer pattern170is formed of multiple layers. For example, the capping layer pattern170may include a first non-magnetic capping layer172, a capping metal layer174, and a second non-magnetic capping layer176that are sequentially stacked on the oxide layer pattern160.

The first non-magnetic capping layer172and the second non-magnetic capping layer176may each include a non-magnetic metal. The non-magnetic metal may include, for example, ruthenium (Ru) or molybdenum (Mo). As an example, the first non-magnetic capping layer172and the second non-magnetic capping layer176may each include a Ru film.

The capping metal layer174may be interposed between the first non-magnetic capping layer172and the second non-magnetic capping layer176. The capping metal layer174may include a metal or metal nitride. The metal may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf), and zirconium (Zr). The metal nitride may include, for example, but is not limited to, titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), niobium nitride (NbN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), and combinations thereof.

When the free layer pattern150includes boron (B), the capping metal layer174may further include boron (B). For example, the capping metal layer174may include a metal boride. The metal boride may include, for example, at least one of TaB, MgB, CoFeB, IrB, RuB, MoB, HfB, and ZrB.

The capping metal layer174may have a boron concentration of a level the same as or similar to that of the oxide layer pattern160. For example, the boron concentration of the capping metal layer174may be equal to the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping metal layer174may be about 10 at % or less. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping metal layer174may be about 5 at % or less, and in further embodiments, about 1 at % or less.

In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160, and the boron concentration of the capping metal layer174may be about 10 at % or less. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer pattern150, the boron concentration of the oxide layer pattern160and the boron concentration of the capping metal layer174may be about 5 at % or less, and in further embodiments, about 1 at % or less.

In some embodiments, when the capping metal layer174includes a metal boride, the first non-magnetic capping layer172and the second non-magnetic capping layer176may further include boron (B). For example, boron atoms in the capping metal layer174may spread into the first non-magnetic capping layer172and the second non-magnetic capping layer176.

If the free layer pattern150does not include boron (B), the capping metal layer174may also include no boron (B). For example, the capping metal layer174may include at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf), and zirconium (Zr).

In some embodiments, the pinned layer pattern130may include a first sub-pinned layer132, an anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134, and a second sub-pinned layer136that are sequentially stacked on the seed layer pattern120.

Referring toFIG.10, in the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments, the free layer pattern150is formed of multiple layers. For example, the free layer pattern150may include a first sub-free layer152, an insertion layer154, and a second sub-free layer156that are sequentially stacked on the tunnel barrier layer pattern140.

The first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156may each include at least one magnetic element. The magnetic element may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).

In some embodiments, the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156may each include at least one of the magnetic elements and boron (B). For example, the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156may each include at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), and boron (B). As an example, the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156may each include a CoFeB film.

The insertion layer154may be interposed between the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156. The insertion layer154may attract the boron atoms in the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156from leaving the free layer pattern150. For example, the insertion layer154may have a boron affinity greater than the first sub-free layer152and the second sub-free layer156. The insertion layer154may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), hafnium (Hf), cobalt iron molybdenum (CoFeMo), magnesium (Mg), and alloys thereof.

In some embodiments, the pinned layer pattern130may include a first sub-pinned layer132, an anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer134, and a second sub-pinned layer136that are sequentially stacked on the seed layer pattern120.

In some embodiments, the capping layer pattern170may include a first non-magnetic capping layer172, a capping metal layer174, and a second non-magnetic capping layer176that are sequentially stacked on the oxide layer pattern160.

FIG.11is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a magnetic memory device according to example embodiments. For convenience of explanation, repeated description of contents explained above usingFIGS.1to10will be briefly explained or omitted.

Referring toFIG.11, the magnetic memory device according to some embodiments includes a selection element SE, a source line210, a plurality of memory cells MP, and a conductive line200.

The selection element SE may be formed on the substrate100. Although the selection element SE is shown as being a MOS field effect transistor, this is exemplary only. As another example, a diode or a bipolar transistor may constitute the selection element SE.

The source line210may be formed on the substrate100. The source line210may be electrically connected to the selection element SE. For example, a third interlayer insulating film102which cover the selection element SE may be formed on the substrate100. The source line210may be formed on the third interlayer insulating film102. Also, a source contact CP2which penetrates the third interlayer insulating film102to connect the selection element SE and the source line210may be formed. Although two adjacent selection elements SE are shown to share one source line210, this is merely an example. As another example, it goes without saying that the source line210corresponding to each of the selection elements SE may be provided.

A plurality of memory cells MP may be formed on the substrate100. Each memory cell MP may be electrically connected to the selection element SE. For example, a first interlayer insulating film105which covers the source line210may be formed on the third interlayer insulating film102. The memory cells MP may be formed on the first interlayer insulating film105. Also, a landing contact CP1which penetrates the third interlayer insulating film102may be formed, and a contact plug110which penetrates the first interlayer insulating film105to connect the landing contact CP1and each memory cell MP may be formed.

Each memory cell MP may include a lower electrode pattern BE, a magnetic tunnel junction element ME, and an upper electrode pattern TE. The magnetic tunnel junction element ME may include at least one of the magnetic tunnel junction elements ME explained above usingFIGS.1to10. As an example, the magnetic tunnel junction element ME may include the seed layer pattern120, the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, the free layer pattern150, the oxide layer pattern160and the capping layer pattern170explained above usingFIG.3.

In some embodiments, a capping liner180which covers each memory cell MP may be formed. For example, the capping liner180may conformally extend along the profile of the upper surface of the first interlayer insulating film105and the profile of the side surface of each memory cell MP. A second interlayer insulating film190may be stacked on the capping liner180.

The capping liner180may be provided as a protective layer that protects the memory cell MP from moisture or oxidation. For example, the capping liner180may prevent the properties of the magnetic tunnel junction element ME (e.g., retention, coercivity (Hc), resistance-area multiplication (RA), TMR ratio (Tunneling Magnetoresistance ratio), etc.) from degrading due to moisture or oxidation. The capping liner180may include, for example, but is not limited to, a silicon nitride film.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the first interlayer insulating film105may include a recess105r. The recess105rmay be formed in the first interlayer insulating film105between the memory cells MP. The recess105rmay be formed by removing a part of the upper portion of the first interlayer insulating film105in the process of patterning of the memory cell MP. In some embodiments, a part of the capping liner180may extend along the recess105r.

A conductive line200may be formed on the second interlayer insulating film190and the memory cell MP. The conductive line200may be electrically connected to a plurality of memory cells MP arranged along the direction in which conductive line200extends. In some embodiments, the conductive line200may be provided as the bit line BL ofFIG.2.

A method for fabricating a magnetic memory device according to exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference toFIGS.1to20.

FIGS.12to20are intermediate step diagrams for describing the method for fabricating the magnetic memory device according to example embodiments. For convenience of explanation, repeated description of contents explained above usingFIGS.1to11will be briefly explained or omitted.

Referring toFIG.12, the first interlayer insulating film105and the contact plug110are formed on the substrate100.

For example, the first interlayer insulating film105may be formed on the substrate100. Subsequently, a contact plug110which penetrates the first interlayer insulating film105and is connected to a selection element (e.g., selection element SE ofFIG.2) on the substrate100may be formed.

Referring toFIGS.13and14, a lower electrode layer BEL, a seed layer120L, a pinned layer130L, a tunnel barrier layer140L and a free layer150L are formed on the first interlayer insulating film105and the contact plug110. For reference,FIG.14is a schematic graph for explaining the boron (B) concentration distribution along a line SLa ofFIG.13.

For example, a lower electrode layer BEL connected to the contact plug110may be formed on the first interlayer insulating film105. The seed layer120L, the pinned layer130L, the tunnel barrier layer140L, and the free layer150L may be sequentially stacked on the lower electrode layer BEL. The pinned layer130L, the tunnel barrier layer140L, and the free layer150L may correspond to the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, and the free layer pattern150explained above usingFIGS.3and4, respectively. As an example, the pinned layer pattern130may include a CoFeB film, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140may include an MgO film, and the free layer pattern150may include a CoFeB film.

The pinned layer130L, the tunnel barrier layer140L, and the free layer150L may each be formed by, but are not limited to, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) (e.g., a sputtering process), a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, or an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process.

In some embodiments, the free layer150L may include boron (B), as shown inFIG.14. For example, the free layer150L may include boron (B) and at least one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni). In some embodiments, the free layer150L may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the free layer150L (e.g., a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate100). In some embodiments, the free layer150L may have a boron concentration of about 10 at % to about 30 at %. In some embodiments, the free layer150L may have a boron concentration of about 15 at % to about 25 at %.

In some other embodiments, the free layer150L may not include boron (B).

Referring toFIGS.15and16, an oxide layer160L is formed on the free layer150L. For reference,FIG.16is a schematic graph for explaining the boron (B) concentration distribution and oxygen (O) concentration distribution along a line SLb ofFIG.15.

For example, a preliminary oxidation layer is formed on the free layer150L. The preliminary oxidation layer may include metal. For example, the preliminary oxidation layer may include at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and alloys thereof. Next, an oxidation process (OX) is performed on the preliminary oxidation layer. Therefore, the oxide layer160L containing a metal oxide may be formed.

In some embodiments, the oxide layer160L may have an oxygen concentration gradient. For example, as shown inFIG.16, the oxygen concentration of the oxide layer160L may decrease toward the free layer150L. This may be due to the fact that the oxidation process (OX) is performed on the upper surface of the preliminary oxidation layer.

If the free layer150L includes boron (B), the oxide layer160L may further include boron (B). For example, the preliminary oxidation layer may include metal boride. The metal boride may include, for example, at least one of TaB, MgB, FeB, CoB, CoFeB, IrB, RuB, MoB, HfB and ZrB. As the oxidation process (OX) is performed on the preliminary oxidation layer including the metal boride, the oxide layer160L including metal borate may be formed.

The oxide layer160L may have a boron concentration of a level similar to that of the free layer150L. For example, as shown inFIG.16, the boron concentration of the oxide layer160L may be the same as the boron concentration of the free layer150L. In some embodiments, a difference between the boron concentration of the free layer150L and the boron concentration of the oxidized layer160L may be about 10 at % or less. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer150L and the boron concentration of the oxidized layer160L may be about 5 at % or less, and in further embodiments, about 1 at % or less. In some embodiments, the oxide layer160L may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the oxide layer160L.

If the free layer150L does not include boron (B), the oxide layer160L may also include no boron (B).

Referring toFIGS.17and18, the capping layer170L is formed on the oxide layer160L. For reference,FIG.18is a schematic graph for explaining the boron (B) concentration distribution and the oxygen (O) concentration distribution along a line SLc ofFIG.17.

The capping layer170L may include a metal or metal nitride. The metal may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of tantalum (Ta), magnesium (Mg), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), hafnium (Hf), and zirconium (Zr). The metal nitride may include, for example, but is not limited to, at least one of titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), niobium nitride (NbN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), and combinations thereof.

When the free layer150L includes boron (B), the capping layer170L may further include boron (B). For example, the capping layer170L may include a metal boride. The metal boride may include, for example, at least one of TaB, MgB, CoFeB, IrB, RuB, MoB, HfB, and ZrB.

The capping layer170L may have a boron concentration of a level the same as or similar to that of the oxide layer160L. For example, as shown inFIG.18, the boron concentration of the capping layer170L may be equal to the boron concentration of the oxide layer160L. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer160L and the boron concentration of the capping layer170L may be about 10 at % or less. In some embodiments, a difference between the boron concentration of the oxide layer160L and the boron concentration of the capping layer170L may be about 5 at % or less, and in further embodiments, about 1 at % or less. In some embodiments, the capping layer170L may have a uniform boron concentration in the thickness direction of the capping layer170L.

When the free layer150L does not include boron (B), the capping layer170L may also include no boron (B).

In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer150L, the boron concentration of the oxidized layer160L, and the boron concentration of the capping layer170L may be about 10 at % or less. In some embodiments, the difference between the boron concentration of the free layer150L, the boron concentration of the oxidized layer160L and the boron concentration of the capping layer170L may be about 5 at % or less, and in further embodiments, about 1 at % or less.

After forming the capping layer170L, an annealing process (TP) may be performed. The annealing process (TP) may be performed at, for example, 350° C. to 400° C., but is not limited thereto. As noted above, when the free layer150L, the oxide layer160L, and the capping layer170L have boron concentrations of the same or similar levels to each other, spread of boron atoms due to the annealing process (TP) may be minimized. As a result, it is possible to provide a method for fabricating a magnetic memory device having improved dispersion and enhanced product reliability and performance.

In some embodiments, as the annealing process (TP) is performed, the oxygen atoms contained in the oxide layer160L may spread into the capping layer170L. For example, as shown inFIG.18, a part of the capping layer170L adjacent to the oxide layer160L may include oxygen. Also, the oxygen concentration of the capping layer170L adjacent to the oxide layer160L may decrease, as it goes away from the oxide layer160L. AlthoughFIG.18only shows that the free layer150L adjacent to the oxide layer160L does not include oxygen, this is merely an example. As another example, a part of the free layer150L adjacent to the oxide layer160L may include oxygen. Also, the oxygen concentration of the free layer150L adjacent to the oxide layer160L may decrease as it goes away from the oxide layer160L.

Referring toFIG.19, an upper electrode layer TEL is formed on the capping layer170L.

The upper electrode layer TEL may include, for example, but is not limited to, a conductive metal or a conductive metal nitride. For example, the upper electrode layer TEL may include at least one of ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), and nitrides thereof.

Referring toFIG.20, a lower electrode pattern BE, a magnetic tunnel junction element ME and an upper electrode pattern TE are formed.

For example, a mask pattern300may be formed on the upper electrode layer TEL ofFIG.19. After that, an etching process of using the mask pattern300as an etching mask may be performed. As the etching process is performed, the lower electrode layer BEL, the seed layer120L, the pinned layer130L, the tunnel barrier layer140L, the free layer150L, the oxide layer160L, the capping layer170L and the upper electrode layer TEL ofFIG.19may be patterned. Thus, the lower electrode pattern BE, the seed layer pattern120, the pinned layer pattern130, the tunnel barrier layer pattern140, the free layer pattern150, the oxide layer pattern160, the capping layer pattern170, and the upper electrode pattern TE may be formed.

Next, referring toFIG.3, a second interlayer insulating film190and a conductive line200are formed. The magnetic memory device explained above usingFIGS.3and4may be fabricated accordingly.