Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell comprising a connection via structure, a bottom electrode disposed on the connection via structure, a memory material stack disposed on the bottom electrode, and a conductive contact structure disposed on the memory material stack, in which a bottom surface of the conductive contact structure is in direct contact with a memory material layer of the memory material stack.

Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving a structure comprising a metal feature, a first passivation structure over the metal feature, and a first opening extending through the first passivation structure and exposing the metal feature. The exemplary method also includes forming a conductive layer in the first opening; forming a second passivation structure over the conductive layer, performing a first etching process to form a second opening extending through the second passivation structure and exposing the conductive layer, performing a second etching process to selectively remove an upper portion of the second passivation structure to enlarge an upper portion of the second opening, and after the performing of the second etching process, forming a conductive feature in the second opening.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell comprising a connection via structure, a bottom electrode disposed on the connection via structure, a memory material stack disposed on the bottom electrode, and a conductive contact structure disposed on the memory material stack, in which a bottom surface of the conductive contact structure is in direct contact with a memory material layer of the memory material stack.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method including depositing a passivation layer over an upper contact feature. In some embodiments, a polyimide (PI) layer is formed over the passivation layer. In an example, the PI layer is patterned to form a patterned PI layer including a first opening that exposes a portion of the passivation layer over the upper contact feature. In an embodiment, one or more etching processes are performed to form a second opening that exposes a top surface of the upper contact feature. In some embodiments, the one or more etching processes etches the passivation layer through the first opening to form a patterned passivation layer. In some examples, the one or more etching processes also recesses sidewall surfaces of the patterned PI layer from corners of the patterned passivation layer defined along opposing surfaces of the second opening.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: receiving, within a processing chamber, a wafer with a photoresist mask above a metal layer, wherein the processing chamber is connected to a gas source; applying an etchant configured to etch the metal layer in accordance with the photoresist mask within the processing chamber; and applying gas from the gas source to perform plasma ashing in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming a memory device structure is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a conductive via, a magnetic tunnel junction cell, a first etch stop layer, and a first spacer layer. The substrate has a first region and a second region, the first dielectric layer is over the substrate, the conductive via passes through the first dielectric layer over the first region. The method includes removing the first etch stop layer, which is not covered by the first spacer layer. The method includes removing the first dielectric layer, which is not covered by the first etch stop layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for perform metal etching and plasma ashing includes: a processing chamber having an enclosed area; an electrostatic chuck disposed in the enclosed area and configured to secure a wafer, the electrostatic chuck connected with a bias power; at least one coil connected with a source power; a etchant conduit configured provide an etchant to a metal of the wafer within the processing chamber in accordance with a photoresist mask of the wafer; and a gas intake conduit connected with a gas source, wherein the gas intake conduit is configured to supply the processing chamber with a gas from the gas source during performance of plasma ashing within the processing chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for forming a semiconductor structure are provided. A substrate having a cell region and a mark region is received. A dielectric layer is etched to expose a conductive line in the cell region and form a trench in the mark region. A conductive layer is formed over the cell region and in the trench. The conductive layer is etched to form a bottom electrode via in the cell region and a first mark layer in the trench.

Abstract: A method for forming a memory device structure is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a conductive via, a magnetic tunnel junction cell, a first etch stop layer, and a first spacer layer. The substrate has a first region and a second region, the first dielectric layer is over the substrate, the conductive via passes through the first dielectric layer over the first region. The method includes removing the first etch stop layer, which is not covered by the first spacer layer. The method includes removing the first dielectric layer, which is not covered by the first etch stop layer.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell comprising a connection via structure, a bottom electrode disposed on the connection via structure, a memory material stack disposed on the bottom electrode, and a conductive contact structure disposed on the memory material stack, in which a bottom surface of the conductive contact structure is in direct contact with a memory material layer of the memory material stack.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: receiving, within a processing chamber, a wafer with a photoresist mask above a metal layer, wherein the processing chamber is connected to a gas source; applying an etchant configured to etch the metal layer in accordance with the photoresist mask within the processing chamber; and applying gas from the gas source to perform plasma ashing in the processing chamber.