Patent ID: 8048685

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a magnetic memory element, the method comprising: providing a first insulating layer; forming a first recess in the first insulating layer; forming a first magnetic layer in the first recess of the first insulating layer; etching the first magnetic layer and a portion of the first insulating layer to provide a first magnetic portion in the first recess; forming a second insulating layer over the first insulating layer and the first magnetic portion; forming a second recess in the second insulating layer to expose an entire top surface of the first magnetic portion and a portion of the first insulating layer that is positioned laterally beyond a periphery of the first magnetic portion; forming a non-magnetic layer in the second recess and on the second insulating layer, the non-magnetic layer extending beyond the periphery of the first magnetic portion and the non-magnetic layer extending an entire width of the second recess; forming a second magnetic layer in the second recess and on the non-magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer extending beyond the periphery of the first magnetic portion; etching the second magnetic layer, the non-magnetic layer, and a portion of the second insulating layer to delimit a non-magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion in the second recess, wherein the non-magnetic layer contacts both the first and second magnetic portions; forming a third insulating layer covering the second insulating layer; and forming a via disposed in a third recess of the third insulating layer, the via contacting both the second magnetic portion and a first conductive track.