Etching Magnetic Tunnel Junction with Metal Etchers

Etch performances of inductory-coupled plasma (ICP) metal etchers with several gas systems are examined under constant ion energy condition to evaluate extendibility to the 300 mm wafer magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) etch process. The ICP-Ar sputter etch affects little on magnetic properties, and shows about the same magnetoresistive (MR) ratio with conventional Ar ion milling. Major issue is the electrical short by redeposition. The etch uniformity over the wafer and precise etch end-point detection are important. The Cl2 addition to the ICP-Ar etch plasma shows serious pattern deformation and degradation of loop offset (H off). Methanol (Me-OH) etch shows slightly lower MR-ratio due to material degradation. However, better H off is observed probably due to the ion protection effect by thin carbon layer over the etched surface. Dilution of Me-OH with Ar improves MR ratio. Ar/Me-OH and ICP-Ar etch processes would be the candidate for 300 mm process at present.