Patent ID: 7183130

Claim:
A method for forming an interconnect structure in a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, the method comprising: defining a magnetic stack layer on a lower metallization level, said magnetic stack layer including a non-ferromagnetic layer disposed between a pair of ferromagnetic layers; defining a conductive hardmask over said magnetic stack layer; and removing selected portions of said hardmask and said magnetic stack layer, thereby creating an array of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stacks, said MTJ stacks including remaining portions of said magnetic stack layer and said hardmask; wherein said hardmask forms a self aligning contact between said magnetic stack layer and an upper metallization level subsequently formed above said MTJ stacks; depositing a cap layer over said MTJ stacks and exposed portions of said lower metallization level; depositing an interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer over said cap layer; and defining openings for said upper metallization level in said ILD layer; wherein portions of said cap layer atop said MTJ stacks are used as an etch stop.