Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) array including MRAM cells arranged in rows and columns, where a first column of the columns includes: first bottom electrodes arranged along the first column; first magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stacks over the first bottom electrodes; a first shared electrode over each of the first MTJ stacks; second bottom electrodes arranged along the first column; second MTJ stacks over the second bottom electrodes; a second shared electrode over each of the second MTJ stacks; and a bit line electrically connected to the first shared electrode and the second shared electrode.

Abstract: An IC structure comprises a substrate, a first dielectric structure, a second dielectric structure, a first via structure, and a memory cell structure. The substrate comprises a memory region and a logic region. The first dielectric structure is over the memory region. The second dielectric structure laterally extends from the first dielectric structure to over the logic region. The second dielectric structure has a thickness less than a thickness of the first dielectric structure. The first via structure extends through the first dielectric structure. A top segment of the first via structure is higher than a top surface of the first dielectric structure. The first memory cell structure is over the first via structure.

Abstract: A device includes a resistance switching layer, a capping layer, a top electrode, a first spacer, and a second spacer. The resistance switching layer is over a substrate. The capping layer is over the resistance switching layer. The top electrode is over the capping layer. The first spacer lines the resistance switching layer and the capping layer. The second spacer lines the first spacer. The capping layer is in contact with the top electrode, the first spacer, and the second spacer.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell and a metallic etch mask portion are formed over a substrate. At least one dielectric etch stop layer is deposited over the metallic etch mask portion, and a via-level dielectric layer is deposited over the at least one dielectric etch stop layer. A via cavity may be etched through the via-level dielectric layer, and a top surface of the at least one dielectric etch stop layer is physically exposed. The via cavity may be vertically extended by removing portions of the at least one dielectric etch stop layer and the metallic etch mask portion. A contact via structure is formed directly on a top surface of the top electrode in the via cavity to provide a low-resistance contact to the top electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a memory array over the substrate, the memory array including first magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), where the first MTJs are in a first dielectric layer over the substrate; and a resistor circuit over the substrate, the resistor circuit including second MTJs, where the second MTJs are in the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: forming a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a bottom electrode layer over the first IMD layer; forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) film stack over the bottom electrode layer; forming a first top electrode layer over the MTJ film stack; forming a protective mask covering a first region of the first top electrode layer, a second region of the first top electrode layer being uncovered by the protective mask; forming a second top electrode layer over the protective mask and the first top electrode layer; and patterning the second top electrode layer, the first top electrode layer, the MTJ film stack, the bottom electrode layer, and the first IMD layer with an ion beam etching (IBE) process to form a MRAM cell, where the protective mask is etched during the IBE process.

Abstract: A memory device includes a bottom electrode contact, a magnetic tunnel junction pattern, a protection insulating layer, a first capping layer, an interlayer insulating layer, and a second capping layer. The magnetic tunnel junction pattern is over the bottom electrode contact. The protection insulating layer surrounds the magnetic tunnel junction pattern. The first capping layer surrounds the protection insulating layer. The interlayer insulating layer surrounds the first capping layer. The second capping layer is over the first capping layer and the interlayer insulating layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming semiconductor devices are provided. A method includes forming a first mask layer over a target layer, forming a plurality of spacers over the first mask layer, and forming a second mask layer over the plurality of spacers and patterning the second mask layer to form a first opening, where in a plan view a major axis of the opening extends in a direction that is perpendicular to a major axis of a spacer of the plurality of spacers. The method also includes depositing a sacrificial material in the opening, patterning the sacrificial material, etching the first mask layer using the plurality of spacers and the patterned sacrificial material, etching the target layer using the etched first mask layer to form second openings in the target layer, and filling the second openings in the target layer with a conductive material.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell and a metallic etch mask portion are formed over a substrate. At least one dielectric etch stop layer is deposited over the metallic etch mask portion, and a via-level dielectric layer is deposited over the at least one dielectric etch stop layer. A via cavity may be etched through the via-level dielectric layer, and a top surface of the at least one dielectric etch stop layer is physically exposed. The via cavity may be vertically extended by removing portions of the at least one dielectric etch stop layer and the metallic etch mask portion. A contact via structure is formed directly on a top surface of the top electrode in the via cavity to provide a low-resistance contact to the top electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a memory array over the substrate, the memory array including first magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), where the first MTJs are in a first dielectric layer over the substrate; and a resistor circuit over the substrate, the resistor circuit including second MTJs, where the second MTJs are in the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: forming a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a bottom electrode layer over the first IMD layer; forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) film stack over the bottom electrode layer; forming a first top electrode layer over the MTJ film stack; forming a protective mask covering a first region of the first top electrode layer, a second region of the first top electrode layer being uncovered by the protective mask; forming a second top electrode layer over the protective mask and the first top electrode layer; and patterning the second top electrode layer, the first top electrode layer, the MTJ film stack, the bottom electrode layer, and the first IMD layer with an ion beam etching (IBE) process to form a MRAM cell, where the protective mask is etched during the IBE process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes an insulation layer. A bottom electrode via is disposed in the insulation layer. The bottom electrode via includes a conductive portion and a capping layer over the conductive portion. A barrier layer surrounds the bottom electrode via. A magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) is disposed over the bottom electrode via.

Abstract: A method includes forming Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) stack layers, which includes depositing a bottom electrode layer; depositing a bottom magnetic electrode layer over the bottom electrode layer; depositing a tunnel barrier layer over the bottom magnetic electrode layer; depositing a top magnetic electrode layer over the tunnel barrier layer; and depositing a top electrode layer over the top magnetic electrode layer. The method further includes patterning the MTJ stack layers to form a MTJ; and performing a passivation process on a sidewall of the MTJ to form a protection layer. The passivation process includes reacting sidewall surface portions of the MTJ with a process gas comprising elements selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a metallization pattern having first and second conductive features, an etch stop layer over the metallization pattern, a memory device, a bottom electrode via, a third conductive feature, and a dielectric feature. The etch stop layer has first and second portions over the first and second conductive features, respectively. The bottom electrode via is in the first portion of the etch stop layer and electrically connecting the memory device over the first portion of the etch stop layer to the first conductive feature. The third conductive feature is in the second portion of the etch stop layer and electrically connected to the second conductive feature. The dielectric feature is between the first and second portions of the etch stop layer and in contact with sidewalls of the first and second portions of the etch stop layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure, including a first metal line over a first region of the substrate, a first magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and a second MTJ over the first region of the substrate, and a top electrode extending over the first MTJ and the second MTJ, wherein the top electrode includes a protruding portion at a bottom surface of the top electrode.

Abstract: A method includes forming Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) stack layers, which includes depositing a bottom electrode layer; depositing a bottom magnetic electrode layer over the bottom electrode layer; depositing a tunnel barrier layer over the bottom magnetic electrode layer; depositing a top magnetic electrode layer over the tunnel barrier layer; and depositing a top electrode layer over the top magnetic electrode layer. The method further includes patterning the MTJ stack layers to form a MTJ; and performing a passivation process on a sidewall of the MTJ to form a protection layer. The passivation process includes reacting sidewall surface portions of the MTJ with a process gas comprising elements selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell structure is formed. The MRAM cell structure includes a bottom electrode, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack and a top electrode. A first insulating cover layer is formed over the MRAM cell structure. A second insulating cover layer is formed over the first insulating cover layer. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed. A contact opening in the ILD layer is formed, thereby exposing the second insulating cover layer. A part of the second insulating cover layer and a part of the first insulating cover layer are removed, thereby exposing the top electrode. A conductive layer is formed in the opening contacting the top electrode.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell structure is formed. The MRAM cell structure includes a bottom electrode, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack and a top electrode. A first insulating cover layer is formed over the MRAM cell structure. A second insulating cover layer is formed over the first insulating cover layer. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is formed. A contact opening in the ILD layer is formed, thereby exposing the second insulating cover layer. A part of the second insulating cover layer and a part of the first insulating cover layer are removed, thereby exposing the top electrode. A conductive layer is formed in the opening contacting the top electrode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a dielectric layer, a memory device, and a resistor. The memory device includes a bottom electrode via, a bottom electrode, a resistance switching element, and a top electrode. The bottom electrode via is in the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a first portion extending along sidewalls of the bottom electrode via, a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, and a third portion. The bottom electrode is over the bottom electrode via. The resistance switching element is over the bottom electrode. The top electrode is over the resistance switching element. The resistor is over the third portion of the dielectric layer. A thickness of the third portion of the dielectric layer is greater than a thickness of the second portion of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A memory array device includes an array of memory cells located over a substrate, a memory-level dielectric layer laterally surrounding the array of memory cells, and top-interconnection metal lines laterally extending along a horizontal direction and contacting a respective row of top electrodes within the memory cells. Top electrodes of the memory cells are planarized to provide top surfaces that are coplanar with the top surface of the memory-level dielectric layer. The top-interconnection metal lines do not extend below the horizontal plane including the top surface of the memory-level dielectric layer, and prevent electrical shorts between the top-interconnection metal lines and components of memory cells.