Patent ID: 8269292

Claim:
An MTJ element for reducing spin-transfer magnetization switching current in a magnetic device, comprising: a pinned layer having an AP2/coupling layer/AP1 configuration wherein the AP2 layer is formed on an AFM layer and the AP1 layer is a composite having a lower amorphous Co 60 Fe 20 B 20 layer having a thickness of about 12 to 18 Angstroms and an upper crystalline Co 75 Fe 25 layer with a thickness of about 5 to 7 Angstroms; a crystalline MgO tunnel barrier formed on the crystalline CoFe layer in the composite AP1 pinned layer; an amorphous CoFeB free layer formed on the MgO tunnel barrier; and a capping layer formed on the CoFeB free layer wherein the capping layer is a layer of Hf or Zr to provide a high oxygen gettering capability and said layer contacts said amorphous CoFeB free layer.