Patent ID: 6587318
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A spin tunnel magneto-resistance effect type magnetic sensor comprising:a first insulating film capable of allowing a current to flow while tunneling therethrough; a first magnetic layer formed on a first plane of said first insulating film, and containing a ferromagnetic substance; a second magnetic layer formed on a second plane of said first insulating film, and containing a ferromagnetic substance; a third magnetic layer formed on said second magnetic layer, and containing an anti-ferromagnetic substance for fixing magnetization of said second magnetic layer; a second insulating film formed on at least one of said first and third magnetic layers, and having an opening in a predetermine d region; a first electrode electrically connected to one of said first and third magnetic layers only inside said opening of said second insulating film; a second electrode for causing a current to flow between said first electrode and itself through at least said first and second magnetic layers and said first insulating film, and a pair of magnetic domain control films for applying a magnetic bias to said first magnetic layer to control the magnetic domain of said first magnetic layer; wherein said first magnetic layer has its end portions overlying said pair of magnetic domain control films.