US Patent 11856854 MRAM device structures and method of fabricating the same

Semiconductor structure and methods of forming the same are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving a workpiece including a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) and a conductive capping layer disposed on the MTJ, depositing a first dielectric layer over the workpiece, performing a first planarization process to the first dielectric layer, and after the performing of the first planarization process, patterning the first dielectric layer to form an opening exposing a top surface of the conductive capping layer, selectively removing the conductive capping layer. The method also includes depositing an electrode layer to fill the opening and performing a second planarization process to the workpiece such that a top surface of the electrode layer and a top surface of the first dielectric layer are coplanar.