Abstract: A self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) for a magnetic memory element (240a) and its method of formation are disclosed, wherein the self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) extends within a trench (258) and includes a conductive material (264), magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) and a magnetic cladding cap (252). The magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) at least partially surround the conductive material (264) and the magnetic cladding cap (252) is substantially recessed within the trench with respect to the top of the trench.

Abstract: A self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) for a magnetic memory element (240a) and its method of formation are disclosed, wherein the self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) extends within a trench (258) and includes a conductive material (264), magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) and a magnetic cladding cap (252). The magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) at least partially surround the conductive material (264) and the magnetic cladding cap (252) is substantially recessed within the trench with respect to the top of the trench.

Abstract: A self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) for a magnetic memory element (240a) and its method of formation are disclosed, wherein the self-aligned magnetic clad bit line structure (274) extends within a trench (258) and includes a conductive material (250), magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) and a magnetic cladding cap (252). The magnetic cladding sidewalls (262) at least partially surround the conductive material (264) and the magnetic cladding cap (252) is substantially recessed within the trench with respect to the top of the trench.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for integrating one or more microelectromechanical (MEM) devices with electronic circuitry on a common substrate. The MEM device can be fabricated within a substrate cavity and encapsulated with a sacrificial material. This allows the MEM device to be annealed and the substrate planarized prior to forming electronic circuitry on the substrate using a series of standard processing steps. After fabrication of the electronic circuitry, the electronic circuitry can be protected by a two-ply protection layer of titanium nitride (TiN) and tungsten (W) during an etch release process whereby the MEM device is released for operation by etching away a portion of a sacrificial material (e.g. silicon dioxide or a silicate glass) that encapsulates the MEM device. The etch release process is preferably performed using a mixture of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrochloric acid (HCI) which reduces the time for releasing the MEM device compared to use of a buffered oxide etchant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for micromachining recessed layers (e.g. sacrificial layers) of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device formed in a cavity etched into a semiconductor substrate. The method uses chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) with a resilient polishing pad to locally planarize one or more of the recessed layers within the substrate cavity. Such local planarization using the method of the present invention is advantageous for improving the patterning of subsequently deposited layers, for eliminating mechanical interferences between functional elements (e.g. linkages) of the MEMS device, and for eliminating the formation of stringers. After the local planarization of one or more of the recessed layers, another CMP step can be provided for globally planarizing the semiconductor substrate to form a recessed MEMS device which can be integrated with electronic circuitry (e.g. CMOS, BiCMOS or bipolar circuitry) formed on the surface of the substrate.