Abstract: An improved and novel magnetic element (10; 10′; 50; 50′; 80) including a plurality of thin film layers wherein the bit end magneto-static demagnetizing fields cancel the total positive coupling of the structure to obtain dual magnetic states in a zero external field. Additionally disclosed is a method of fabricating a magnetic element (10) by providing a plurality of thin film layers wherein the bit end magneto-static demagnetizing fields of the thin film layers cancel the total positive coupling of the structure to obtain dual magnetic states in a zero external field.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flux concentrator for use in magnetic memory devices including the steps of providing at least one magnetic memory bit (10) and forming proximate thereto a material stack defining a copper (Cu) damascene bit line (56) including a flux concentrating layer (52). The method includes the steps of depositing a bottom dielectric layer (32), an optional etch stop (34) layer, and a top dielectric layer (36) proximate the magnetic memory bit (10). A trench (38) is etched in the top dielectric layer (36) and the bottom dielectric layer (32). A first barrier layer (42) is deposited in the trench (38). Next, a metal system (29) is deposited on a surface of the first barrier layer (42). The metal system (29) includes a copper (Cu) seed material (44), and a plated copper (Cu) material (46), a first outside barrier layer (50), a flux concentrating layer (52), and a second outside barrier layer (54). The metal system (29) is patterned and etched to define a copper (Cu) damascene bit line (56).