Patent Description:
US patent application <CIT> relates to a magnetic element wherein a composite seed layer such as TaN/Mg enhances perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying magnetic layer that may be a reference layer, free layer, or dipole layer. The first seed layer is selected from one or more of Ta, Zr, Nb, TaN, ZrN, NbN, and Ru. The second seed layer is selected from one or more of Mg, Sr, Ti, Al, V, Hf, B, and Si. A growth promoting layer made of NiCr or an alloy thereof may be inserted between the seed layer and magnetic layer. The magnetic element has thermal stability to at least <NUM>.

The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive stack comprising: an electrically conductive material of an electrode or a via; a seed region disposed above, and in direct contact with, the electrically conductive material, wherein the seed region has a thickness greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, and includes an alloy comprising nickel and chromium, wherein the alloy comprises <NUM>-<NUM>% chromium, by atomic percent; a fixed magnetic region disposed above the seed region, wherein the fixed magnetic region includes: a first ferromagnetic structure disposed above the seed region and in contact with the seed region, wherein the first ferromagnetic structure includes a first layer of nickel disposed on and in direct contact with the seed region; a coupling layer in contact with the first ferromagnetic structure; a second ferromagnetic structure in contact with the coupling layer; and a high-iron alloy interface region disposed above the second ferromagnetic structure, wherein the high-iron alloy interface region includes at least <NUM>% iron by atomic percent. The magnetoresistive stack further comprises a dielectric layer disposed above, and in direct contact with, the high-iron alloy interface region, and a free magnetic region disposed above the dielectric layer.

According to the present invention, the seed region includes an alloy including nickel and chromium having a thickness which is greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, or more preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> or <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms (for example, <NUM> Angstroms to <NUM> Angstroms), or even more preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, or most preferably <NUM> Angstroms +/- <NUM>%. The seed region is disposed between and in physical contact with an electrically conductive metal material of an electrode or a via (for example, in the context of an electrode or via, of tantalum or an alloy thereof (such as a tantalum-nitride alloy), or a composite thereof (such as a tantalum and tantalum-nitride alloy composite)) and the fixed magnetic region of a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure (which, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of layers of one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials (for example, a multi-layer structure of (i) cobalt and platinum or (ii) cobalt and nickel)).

In one embodiment, the seed region is implemented in a MTJ-type magnetoresistive stack/structure having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy wherein the magnetic region disposed on or in physical contact with the seed region maintains or includes improved properties (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) after subsequent or additional processing (for example, annealing processes after deposition/formation of the magnetic region). Indeed, a stack/structure including such a seed region may exhibit improved reliability, thermal stability and/or thermal endurance of the magnetoresistive stack/structure, for example, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure. Here, the seed region of the present invention may facilitate growth thereon of layers of the magnetic region that are smoother and/or include sharper interfaces (relative to layers grown on conventional seed regions). For example, a multi-layer magnetic region (e.g., (i) cobalt and platinum or (ii) cobalt and nickel) may be grown on the seed region of the present invention more smoothly and with sharper interface. Further, the seed regions of the present invention may include less stress (again relative to layers grown on conventional seed regions). One, some or all of these characteristics may facilitate an MTJ-type magnetoresistive stack/structure of the present invention to include and/or maintain improved characteristics or properties (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) even after being undergoing one or more anneal processes at elevated temperatures (for example, <NUM>).

Notably, the present invention may employ any technique to manufacture the MTJ stack/structure including with respect to the formation and/or deposition of the seed region; all such techniques are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, the seed region is an alloy including nickel and chromium and is formed or deposited, via ion-beam deposition, sputtering and/or evaporation techniques, on an electrically conductive metal of, for example, an electrode/via/line (for example, a metal material such as tantalum or tantalum-nitride, or a composite thereof). Thereafter, one or more layers of ferromagnetic material (for example, a multi-layer structure of (i) cobalt and platinum or (ii) cobalt and nickel) may be deposited on the seed region. The multi-layer structure of cobalt and platinum may start with a cobalt layer (followed by a platinum layer) disposed on the nickel and chromium alloy seed layer/region. Where the multi-layer structure is cobalt and nickel, a nickel layer/region (followed by a cobalt layer) may be first disposed on the nickel and chromium alloy seed layer, according to the invention.

Briefly, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure, in one embodiment, includes at least one non-magnetic layer (for example, at least one dielectric layer) disposed between a "fixed" magnetic region and a "free" magnetic region, each consisting of a plurality of layers of one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials. Information is stored in the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure by switching, programming and/or controlling the direction of magnetization vectors in one or more of the magnetic layers of the free magnetic region of the stack/structure. Here, the direction of the magnetization vectors of the free magnetic region may be switched and/or programmed (for example, through spin-torque transfer) by application of a write signal (one or more current pulses) to or through the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure while, in contrast, the magnetization vectors in the magnetic layers of a fixed magnetic region are magnetically fixed (in a predetermined direction).

The magnetoresistive memory stack/structure includes an electrical resistance that depends on the magnetic state of certain regions of the memory stack/structure. That is, in one embodiment, when the magnetization vectors of the "free" magnetic region are in a first state or in a first direction (for example, which is the same direction as the direction of the magnetization vectors of the "fixed" magnetic region), the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure has a first magnetic state which may correspond to a low electrical resistance state. Conversely, when the magnetization vectors of the "free" magnetic region are in a second state or in a second direction (for example, which is a different direction (for example, opposite or opposing) as the direction of the magnetization vectors of the "fixed" magnetic region), the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure has a second magnetic state which may correspond to a high electrical resistance state. The magnetic state of the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure is determined or read based on the resistance of the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure in response to a read current of a read operation.

As intimated above, the present invention is directed to a magnetoresistive stack/structure - for example, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure or a magnetoresistive sensor/transducer stack/structure having a seed region (which includes an alloy including nickel and chromium having a thickness (T) of T ≥<NUM> Angstroms +/-<NUM>%, or T ≥<NUM> Angstroms +/- <NUM>%, or preferably T ≥<NUM> Angstroms +/- <NUM>%, or more preferably <NUM> Angstroms ≥T ≥<NUM> or <NUM> Angstroms (each limit +/- <NUM>%) (for example, <NUM> Angstroms ≥ T ≥ <NUM> Angstroms), or even more preferably <NUM> Angstroms ≥ T ≥ <NUM> Angstroms (each limit +/- <NUM>%) (for example, T= <NUM> Angstroms +/- <NUM>%), or most preferably T= <NUM> Angstroms +/- <NUM>%), disposed between and in physical contact with an electrically conductive material such as metal of, for example, an electrode/vialline and a region having one or more layers of magnetic or ferromagnetic materials (for example, a fixed magnetic region of a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure). Further, the seed region may be substantially non-magnetic having a material composition or content including an alloy including nickel, iron, cobalt and/or chromium (according to the present invention, an alloy including nickel and chromium wherein <NUM>-<NUM> atomic percent (+/- <NUM>%) ) is chromium, and preferably <NUM> atomic percent (+/- <NUM>%) is chromium).

The present invention is also directed to magnetoresistive integrated circuit devices (for example, a spin-torque MRAM) having one or more magnetoresistive stacks/structures (for example, a plurality of MTJ stacks/structures of a MTJ-based sensor/transducer device and/or MTJ-based memory device). In one embodiment, the MTJ stacks/structures possess/include a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy wherein the magnetic region disposed on or in physical contact with the inventive seed region maintains or includes improved properties or characteristics (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) after processing (for example, one or more annealing processes after deposition/formation of the magnetic region). Indeed, a magnetoresistive stack/structure including such a seed region may be more reliable and thermally stable and/or provide greater thermal endurance.

Notably, although certain exemplary embodiments are described and/or illustrated herein in the context of MTJ stacks/structures, the present invention may be implemented in giant magnetoresistive (GMR) stacks/structures where a conductor is disposed between two ferromagnetic materials. Indeed, the present invention may be employed in connection with other types of magnetoresistive stacks/structures wherein such stacks/structures include a seed region which is disposed between and in physical contact with an electrically conductive electrode/via/line and a region having one or more layers of magnetic or ferromagnetic materials. For the sake of brevity the discussions and illustrations will not be repeated specifically in the context of GMR or other magnetoresistive stacks/structures - but such discussions and illustrations are to be interpreted as being entirely applicable to GMR and other stacks/structures.

The present invention may be implemented in connection with embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings. These drawings show different aspects of the present invention and, where appropriate, reference numerals illustrating like structures, components, materials and/or elements in different figures are labeled similarly. It is understood that various combinations of the structures, components, and/or elements, other than those specifically shown, are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

For the sake of brevity, certain permutations and combinations are not discussed and/or illustrated separately herein. Notably, an embodiment or implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous, for example, over other embodiments or implementations; rather, it is intended reflect or indicate the embodiment(s) is/are "example" embodiment(s).

Notably, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, certain aspects of the figures depict the general structure and/or manner of construction of the various embodiments. Descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring other features. Elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve understanding of the example embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the cross-sectional views are not drawn to scale and should not be viewed as representing proportional relationships between different layers. The cross-sectional views are provided to help illustrate the processing steps performed by simplifying the various layers to show their relative positioning. Moreover, while certain layers and features are illustrated with straight <NUM>-degree edges, in actuality or practice such layers may be more "rounded" and gradually sloping.

The following Detailed Description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. Any embodiment or implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Rather it is intended or used in the sense of an "example" rather than "ideal" or "preferred" or "advantageous" relative to other implementations or embodiments.

Further, the terms "comprise," "include," "have" and any variations thereof are used synonymously to denote or describe non-exclusive inclusion. As such, a process, method, article, or apparatus that uses such terms does not include only those steps, structure or elements but may include other steps, structures or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish an element, a structure, a step or a process from another. Moreover, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a magnetoresistive stack/structure (for example, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure or a magnetoresistive sensor/transducer stack/structure) and a method of manufacturing such a stack/structure wherein the magnetoresistive stack/structure (for example, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack/structure) includes a seed region having a material composition and an associated thickness that improves the reliability, thermal stability and/or thermal endurance of the magnetoresistive stack/structure. According to the present invention, the seed region includes an alloy including nickel and chromium having a thickness which is greater than or equal to Angstroms, preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms (for example, <NUM> Angstroms), or most preferably <NUM> Angstroms (notably, each of the aforementioned values, limits and/or ranges of the thickness of the seed region may be +/- <NUM>%), which is disposed between and in physical contact with an electrically conductive material of an electrode or a via (for example, in the context of an electrode or via, of tantalum, or an alloy thereof or a composite thereof and the fixed magnetic region of a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure (which, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of layers of one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials (for example, a multi-layer structure of (i) cobalt and platinum or (ii) cobalt and nickel))).

In one embodiment, the seed region is implemented in a MTJ-type magnetoresistive stack/structure having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy wherein the magnetic region, which is disposed on or in physical contact with the seed region, maintains or includes improved properties (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) after subsequent or additional processing (for example, annealing processes at temperatures of <NUM>)). Indeed, a stack/structure including such a seed region may exhibit improved reliability, thermal stability and/or thermal endurance of the magnetoresistive stack/structure. Here, the seed region of the present invention may facilitate growth thereon of layers of the magnetic region that are smoother and/or include sharper interfaces (relative to layers grown on conventional seed regions). For example, a multi-layer magnetic region (e.g., (i) cobalt and platinum or (ii) cobalt and nickel) may be grown on the seed region of the present invention more smoothly and with sharper interface. Further, the seed regions of the present invention may include less stress (again relative to layers grown on conventional seed regions). One, some or all of these characteristics may contribute to an MTJ-type magnetoresistive stack/structure exhibiting and/or maintaining improved characteristics or properties (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) even after undergoing or being exposed to one or more processes (for example, one or more anneal processes) at elevated temperatures (for example, <NUM>).

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to semiconductor processing may not be described in detail herein. The exemplary embodiments may be fabricated using known lithographic processes. The fabrication of integrated circuits, microelectronic devices, micro electro mechanical devices, microfluidic devices, and photonic devices involves the creation of several layers of materials that interact in some fashion. One or more of these layers may be patterned so various regions of the layer have different electrical or other characteristics, which may be interconnected within the layer or to other layers to create electrical components and circuits. These regions may be created by selectively introducing or removing various materials. The patterns that define such regions are often created by lithographic processes. For example, a layer of photoresist is applied onto a layer overlying a wafer substrate. A photo mask (containing clear and opaque areas) is used to selectively expose the photoresist by a form of radiation, such as ultraviolet light, electrons, or x-rays. Either the photoresist exposed to the radiation, or that not exposed to the radiation, is removed by the application of a developer. An etch may then be employed/applied whereby the layer not protected by the remaining resist is patterned. Alternatively, an additive process can be used in which a structure is built up using the photoresist as a template.

As noted above, in one aspect, the described embodiments relate to, among other things, methods of manufacturing a magnetoresistive stack/structure having one or more electrically conductive electrodes, vias or conductors on either side of a magnetic material stack. As described in further detail below, the magnetic material stack may include many different layers of material, where some of the layers include magnetic materials, whereas others do not. In one embodiment, the methods of manufacturing include sequentially depositing, growing, sputtering, evaporating and/or providing (as noted above, hereinafter collectively "depositing" or other verb tense (e.g., "deposit" or "deposited")) layers and regions which, after further processing (for example, etching) those layers form a magnetoresistive stack/structure.

The magnetoresistive structures/stacks of the present invention may be formed between electrically conductive material of, for example, a top electrode/vialline and a bottom electrode/vialline, which permit access to the stack/structure by allowing for connectivity to circuitry and other elements of the magnetoresistive device. Between electrically conductive material of, for example, the electrodes/vias/lines, are layers and/or regions, including at least one fixed magnetic region (which includes, among other things, a plurality of ferromagnetic layers), a seed region, which in at least one embodiment is disposed between the electrically conductive electrode/vialline, at least one free magnetic region (which includes, among other things, a plurality of ferromagnetic layers), and one or more dielectric layers or regions (hereinafter collectively, "dielectric layer") - including at least one dielectric layer, disposed between a fixed magnetic region and the free magnetic region, to provide a tunnel barrier layer therebetween.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the magnetoresistive structure/stack of a first aspect of the present invention includes a seed region that is deposited on electrically conductive material of an electrode or a via. Here, the seed region may be deposited using a physical vapor deposition technique (for example, a sputtering technique (such as, an ion beam deposition or magnetron sputtering) and/or an evaporation technique. The material of the seed region is a nickel-chromium alloy which is, for example, ion beam sputtered on the material of the electrically conductive material of an electrode or a via (for example, of tantalum, or an alloy thereof (such as a tantalum-nitride alloy), or a composite thereof (such as a tantalum and tantalum-nitride alloy composite)). In one embodiment, the content of chromium is sufficient to render the seed region non-magnetic. According to the present invention, the nickel-chromium alloy contains greater than or equal to <NUM> atomic percent (+/- <NUM>%) chromium and less than or equal to <NUM> atomic percent (+/- <NUM>%) chromium and preferably, <NUM> atomic percent (+/- <NUM>%) chromium; notably, the balance of the nickel-chromium alloy consists of nickel.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the thickness of the nickel-chromium alloy of the seed region is greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms. In one embodiment, the thickness of the material of the seed region is greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms (for example, greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms), or preferably greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms (for example, <NUM> Angstroms). In a most preferred embodiment, the thickness of the nickel-chromium alloy of the seed region is <NUM> Angstroms. In the context of a nickel-chromium alloy, all combinations of the aforementioned thicknesses in conjunction with the aforementioned nickel and chromium atomic percentages are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention (for example, Ni60Cr40 atomic percent having a thickness greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and more preferably, (i) equal to <NUM> Angstroms or (ii) greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms and less than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms). Notably, each of the aforementioned values, limits and/or ranges of the thickness of the seed region may be +/- <NUM>%.

After deposition of the seed region, a fixed magnetic region is deposited. The fixed magnetic region may be a multi-layer, unpinned SAF including a plurality of layers of one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials (for example, a multi-layer structure of (i) cobalt and platinum (for example, each layer having a thickness of <NUM> Angstroms or less, preferably <NUM> Angstroms or less, and more preferably having a thickness of <NUM> Angstroms or less) or (ii) cobalt and nickel (for example, each layer having a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM> Angstroms, preferably <NUM> Angstroms or less, and more preferably <NUM> Angstroms or less)) separated by a coupling layer (for example, a coupling layer including ruthenium having a thickness of, for example, <NUM> Angstroms (+/- <NUM> Angstrom)). (See, for example, <FIG>).

The fixed magnetic region may be deposited or formed using any technique.

Notably, where the multi-layer SAF of the fixed magnetic region is cobalt and platinum an initial layer of ferromagnetic material of cobalt may be deposited on the seed region. Where the multi-layer SAF of the fixed magnetic region is cobalt and nickel, an initial layer of ferromagnetic material of nickel may be deposited on the seed region, according to the invention.

Moreover, the multilayer SAF may include cobalt layers at both interfaces with the coupling layer.

Indeed, in one embodiment, the multilayer SAF of the fixed magnetic region possesses a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The seed region of the present invention may facilitate growth, deposition or formation of an MTJ-based stack/structure having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with improved thermal endurance and properties notwithstanding subsequent or additional processingincluding annealing processes of <NUM>. Here, the seed region may facilitate growth, deposition or formation of smoother layers having a sharper interface. Such growth, deposition or formation may also provide less stress thereby assisting in the maintenance of high MR post processing at elevated temperatures (for example, <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, in another embodiment, the fixed magnetic region includes multi-layer structures (AP1 or AP2) and a transition layer and a reference layer disposed between AP2 and the dielectric layer. The transition layer may include one or more layers of material that facilitate/improve growth of a dielectric layer (which may be the tunnel barrier in the MTJ stack/structure) during fabrication. In one embodiment, the reference layer may include one or more or all of cobalt, iron, boron and tantalum (for example, in an alloy - such as an amorphous alloy (e.g., CoFeB or CoFeBTa or CoFeTa)) and the transition layer may include a non-ferromagnetic transition metal such as tantalum, titanium, tungsten and/or molybdenum. In yet another embodiment, the reference layer may include a layer of iron (for example, deposited as pure or substantially pure iron) and a layer of cobalt, iron and boron (for example, deposited as an alloy) wherein, after further/final processing (e.g., after annealing), the layer of iron at the interface may form a continuous atomic layer or may mix with the underlying ferromagnetic alloy in the final annealed structure, resulting in a high-iron alloy interface region (for example, an iron rich alloy (CoFe of CoFeX where X may be nickel and/or one or more non-magnetic materials such as one or more transition metals or boron)) within the reference layer which is adjacent to and/or in contact with the dielectric layer, according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the high-iron alloy interface region contains greater than or equal to <NUM>% iron by atomic percent.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more dielectric layers may then be deposited on the fixed magnetic region using any technique.

The one or more dielectric layers may be, for example, of a magnesium-oxide or an aluminum-oxide. The one or more dielectric layers may provide the tunnel barrier region of the magnetoresistive stack/structure. In one embodiment, the one or more dielectric layers are fabricated or provided using the materials and processes described and illustrated in <CIT> and <CIT>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a free magnetic region is then deposited on the one or more dielectric layers. Here, the free magnetic region may include a plurality of ferromagnetic material layers (for example, one or more of cobalt, iron, and nickel) as well as one or more non-magnetic material layers (for example, ruthenium, tantalum, aluminum). (See, for example, <CIT>). The free magnetic region may include ferromagnetic interface regions. (See, for example, <FIG>). In one embodiment, the ferromagnetic interface regions include at least <NUM>% iron by atomic percentage (hereinafter "high-iron interface regions"). (See, for example, <CIT>). Notably, the high-iron interface regions may include a continuous layer of iron (for example, pure iron), a discontinuous layer of iron, and/or an interfacial layer of high-iron alloy (wherein the alloy includes greater than or equal to <NUM>% iron by atomic percentage). In one embodiment, the high-iron interface region provides at least an atomic layer of material at the surface of the free magnetic region having mainly iron atoms. Notably, the high-iron interface regions may provide, among other things, high perpendicular interface anisotropy energy.

After deposition of the materials/layers of the free magnetic region, in one embodiment, a spacer region is deposited followed by an electrode/via/line. (See, <FIG>). In another embodiment, one or more second dielectric layers are deposited followed by a spacer region and an electrically conductive material (for example, a metal of an electrode/via/line). (See, <FIG>). The spacer region may be a non-magnetic region that provides a barrier between the free magnetic region and the electrically conductive material of the electrode/via/line. (See, for example, <CIT>). Indeed, the one or more second dielectric layers of the embodiment of <FIG>, may provide, among other things, an additional barrier between the free magnetic region and the electrically conductive material of, for example, the electrode/via/line.

Notably, the magnetoresistive stack/structure may be fabricated from the layers and/or regions of <FIG> and <FIG> using any process technique, for example, using well known conventional deposition and lithographic techniques to form the magnetoresistive stack/structure from the layers and/or regions of <FIG> and <FIG>. In one embodiment, the present invention employs the process techniques described and/or illustrated in Provisional Patent Application Nos. <CIT>and <CIT>; notably, all of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented or employed in conjunction with the embodiments of the '<NUM> and '<NUM> applications.

During processing, the magnetoresistive stack/structure including the seed region of the present invention maintains or includes, notwithstanding subsequent or additional processing (for example, annealing processes having temperatures of <NUM>), improved properties (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure). For example, a MTJ stacks/structure, having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, maintains or includes improved properties or characteristics (for example, magnetoresistance (MR) and resistance-area product (RA) of the stack/structure) after processing (for example, one or more annealing processes after deposition/formation of the magnetic region). Indeed, a magnetoresistive stack/structure including such a seed region may be more reliable and thermally stable (relative to conventional seed regions) and/or provide greater thermal endurance notwithstanding subsequent or additional processing (for example, annealing processes having temperatures of <NUM>).

Many modifications, variations, combinations and/or permutations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, although certain exemplary techniques are described and/or illustrated above in the context of MTJ-based magnetoresistive stacks/structures, as noted above, the present invention may be implemented in GMR-based magnetoresistive stacks/structures (for example, sensor and memory). For the sake of brevity such discussions/illustrations will not be repeated in the context of GMR-based magnetoresistive stacks/structures having seed region of the present invention -- but it is to be interpreted as entirely applicable to GMR-based stacks/structures where a conductor (rather than a dielectric material in the case of MTJ-based stacks/structures) is disposed between magnetic materials.

Further, in one exemplary embodiment, the free magnetic region includes a plurality of ferromagnetic materials and/or layers (for example, including materials such as cobalt, iron, boron, nickel and/or one or more alloys thereof such as a cobalt-iron alloy or a cobalt-iron-boron alloy) but does not include a plurality of insertion layers in an alternating ferromagnetic layer - insertion layer structure. (See, <FIG>). Albeit, in another embodiment, one or more insertion layers are included and not omitted from the free magnetic region. Moreover, the free magnetic region may omit one or both of the ferromagnetic interface regions (for example, for example, iron or an iron alloy) which interface with and/or contact the dielectric layer (i.e., tunnel barrier of the magnetoresistive stack/structure) and the spacer region (see <FIG>) or the first and second dielectric layers (see <FIG>).

In addition, the magnetoresistive stack/structure of the present invention may be implemented in a sensor architecture or a memory architecture (among other architectures). For example, in a memory configuration, the magnetoresistive memory stack/structure may be electrically connected to an access transistor and configured to coupled or connect to various conductors (which carry one or more control signals). (See, <FIG>). In one embodiment, a plurality of magnetoresistive memory stacks/structures may be fabricated and/or incorporated on an integrated circuit, for example, in an MRAM array. (See, <FIG>).

The alloys described and illustrated herein may be formed using any technique. For example, the alloys may be formed via co-deposition (for example, via sputtering and/or evaporating of a nickel-chrome alloy or via concurrently and separately sputtering and/or evaporating nickel and chromium). In addition thereto, or in lieu thereof, sequentially depositing materials, together with one or more annealing processes, may be employed to form the alloys. Again, any technique may be used to form the alloys described and illustrated herein.

The fixed, unpinned SAF region may include two multi-layer structures (AP1 and AP2 - for example, like that of the magnetic multi-layer structure of <FIG>). In another embodiment, the fixed, unpinned SAF region may include only one multi-layer structure (either AP2 or AP1) and a non-multi-layer structure (the other of AP2 or AP1). Here, the magnetic multi-layer structure and a non-multi-layer structure are antiferromagnetically coupled via a coupling layer. The multi-layer structure (AP1 or AP2) may include any particular structure or architecture (and be manufactured) consistent with any of the embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Further, as mentioned above, in one embodiment, the fixed magnetic region includes multi-layer structures (AP1 or AP2) and a transition layer and reference layer disposed between AP2 and the dielectric layer. (See, <FIG>). Here, the transition layer may include one or more layers of material that facilitate/improve growth of the dielectric layer (which is a tunnel barrier in the MTJ structure) during fabrication. In one embodiment, the reference layer may include one or more or all of cobalt, iron, boron and tantalum (for example, in an alloy - such as an amorphous alloy (e.g., CoFeB or CoFeBTa or CoFeTa) and the transition layer may include a non-ferromagnetic transition metal such as tantalum, titanium, tungsten and/or molybdenum. Moreover, in another embodiment, the reference layer may include a layer of iron (for example, deposited as pure or substantially pure iron) and a layer of (i) cobalt and iron or (ii) cobalt, iron and boron (for example, deposited as an alloy) wherein, after further/final processing (e.g., after annealing), the layer of iron at the interface may form a continuous atomic layer or may mix with the underlying ferromagnetic alloy in the final annealed structure, resulting in a high-iron alloy interface region (for example, greater than or equal to <NUM>% iron by atomic percentage) within the reference layer which is adjacent to the dielectric layer, according to the present invention.

Notably, while the magnetic materials layer(s) and magnetic materials of the MTJ stack/structure are illustrated as a single layer, the magnetic materials layer(s) and magnetic materials may include a number of different layers of both magnetic and nonmagnetic material. For example, the layers may include multiple layers of magnetic material, dielectric layers that provide, for example, one or more diffusion barriers, coupling layers between layers of magnetic material that provide for ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic coupling, antiferromagnetic material. For example, one of the magnetic material layer(s) may include a set of layers forming a SAF and a layer of antiferromagnetic material, seeding layers, diffusion layers as well as non-contiguous layers of magnetic and nonmagnetic material. The other magnetic material layer(s) may include a set of layers corresponding to a SyF, seeding layers, spacing layers, diffusion layers as well as non-contiguous layers of magnetic and nonmagnetic material. Notably, each of the layers shown to be included in the magnetoresistive device may be a composite layer that includes multiple sublayers. Other embodiments may include multiple SAFs, SyFs, and tunnel barriers in addition to the other layers, where the materials and structures are arranged in various combinations and permutations now known or later developed.

For example, one or more regions (for example, the fixed magnetic region) of the magnetoresistive stack/structure (for example, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure or a magnetoresistive sensor/transducer stack/structure) may include and/or consist of a SyF. For example, the fixed magnetic region may be a pinned or unpinned SyF including, for example, a multi-layer SyF a plurality of layers of one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials separated by an ferromagnetic coupling layer (for example, an coupling layer including ruthenium or rhodium having a thickness that provides ferromagnetic coupling). Such a SyF may be deposited or formed on the seed region. Notably, the invention described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented in conjunction with a pinned or unpinned SyF embodiment; however, for the sake of brevity, such combinations and permutations will not be described/illustrated separately herein.

Further, the one or more layers of magnetic materials (for example, nickel, iron, cobalt, and alloys thereof) may be etched, formed and/or patterned using any etchants and/or technique - for example, using mechanical and/or chemical techniques (for example, an ion beam etching, low bias power sputter technique or a chemical etch technique (such as a conventional fluorine and/or chlorine based etch technique)). Where the magnetic material stack includes one or more SAFs or SyFs, the one or more layers of magnetic materials layers may also include one or more non-magnetic materials layers (for example, copper, aluminum or non-ferromagnetic transition metals, such as tantalum, niobium, vanadium, zirconium, molybdenum or ruthenium). Notably, one or more magnetic material stack may include SAF and SyF structures, one or more layers of magnetic materials, and other materials (including magnetic and/or non-magnetic) now known or later developed. Such materials and/or structures may be arranged in any combination or permutation now known or later developed.

The MTJ-based magnetoresistive stack/structure may include out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy or in-plane magnetic anisotropy. The present invention is applicable to all forms or types of magnetoresistive stacks/structures. Moreover, the free magnetic region may be disposed on the magnetic tunnel barrier or beneath the magnetic tunnel barrier; the fixed magnetic region would be disposed on and interface a side of the magnetic tunnel barrier which is opposite to the side that interfaces the free magnetic region.

Further, although the exemplary embodiments are described and/or illustrated above in the context of MTJ stacks/structures having a free magnetic region disposed above the tunnel barrier and the fixed magnetic region disposed below the tunnel barrier, the present invention may be implemented wherein the fixed magnetic region is disposed above the tunnel barrier and the free magnetic region disposed below the tunnel barrier. In this embodiment, the free magnetic region is formed on (and in contact with) the seed region. For the sake of brevity, the embodiment where the free magnetic region is formed on and in contact with the seed region will not be separately illustrated - but this invention is to be interpreted as entirely applicable to such embodiments where the free magnetic region is formed and disposed on the seed region (rather than formed and disposed on a dielectric material in the case of MTJ stacks/structures). As such, in one embodiment, the magnetoresistive stack/structure includes an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy (for example, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy) where a pinned or unpinned fixed magnetic region is disposed on or above one or more layer(s) of dielectric material, which is disposed on or above a free magnetic region wherein the free magnetic region is disposed on and in contact with the seed region (which may be disposed on and in contact with one or more layers of electrically conductive materials.

Although the described exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to various magnetoresistive-based devices and methods for making such devices, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the exemplary embodiments, which illustrate inventive aspects that are applicable to a wide variety of semiconductor processes and/or devices. Thus, the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only and should not be taken as limitations, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Accordingly, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Notably, reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included, employed and/or incorporated in one, some or all of the embodiments of the present invention.

The usages or appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in another embodiment" in the specification are not referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of one or more other embodiments, nor limited to a single exclusive embodiment. " The present invention is neither limited to any single aspect nor embodiment thereof, nor to any combinations and/or permutations of such aspects and/or embodiments. Moreover, each of the aspects of the present invention, and/or embodiments thereof, may be employed alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the present invention and/or embodiments thereof. For the sake of brevity, certain permutations and combinations are not discussed and/or illustrated separately herein.

Further, as indicated above, an embodiment or implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous, for example, over other embodiments or implementations; rather, it is intended convey or indicate the embodiment or embodiments are example embodiment(s).

In the claims, the term "ferromagnetic material" means or includes magnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials. As noted above, the term "deposit" (or various forms thereof (e.g., deposited, deposition or depositing)) means or includes deposit, grow, sputter, evaporate, form and/or provide (or various forms thereof). Moreover, in the claims, values, limits and/or ranges of the thickness and atomic composition of, for example, the seed region, means the value, limit and/or range +/- <NUM>%. The term "magnetoresistive stack", in the claims, means or includes a magnetoresistive stack or magnetoresistive structure, for example, a magnetoresistive memory stack/structure (such as a memory cell in, for example, MRAM or the like) or a magnetoresistive sensor/transducer stack/structure (such as, for example, a read head for hard disk drives or the like).

The terms "comprise," "include," "have" and any variations thereof (for example, "comprising," "including" and "having") are used synonymously to denote or describe non-exclusive inclusion. As such, a process, method, article and/or apparatus that uses such terms to, for example, describe a recipe, configuration and/or contents, does not include only those steps, structures and/or elements but may include other steps, structures and/or elements not expressly identified, listed or inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus.

Claim 1:
A magnetoresistive stack comprising:
an electrically conductive material of an electrode or a via;
a seed region disposed above, and in direct contact with, the electrically conductive material, wherein the seed region has a thickness greater than or equal to <NUM> Angstroms, and includes an alloy comprising nickel and chromium, wherein the alloy comprises <NUM>-<NUM>% chromium by atomic percent;
a fixed magnetic region disposed above the seed region, wherein the fixed magnetic region includes:
a first ferromagnetic structure disposed above the seed region and in contact with the seed region, wherein the first ferromagnetic structure includes a first layer of nickel disposed on and in direct contact with the seed region;
a coupling layer in contact with the first ferromagnetic structure;
a second ferromagnetic structure in contact with the coupling layer; and
a high-iron alloy interface region disposed above the second ferromagnetic structure, wherein the high-iron alloy interface region includes at least <NUM>% iron by atomic percent;
a dielectric layer disposed above, and in direct contact with, the high-iron alloy interface region; and
a free magnetic region disposed above the dielectric layer.