Patent ID: 8884389
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive element comprising: a first magnetic layer having a magnetization direction invariable and perpendicular to a film surface; a tunnel barrier layer formed on the first magnetic layer; and a second magnetic layer formed on the tunnel barrier layer and having a magnetization direction variable and perpendicular to the film surface, wherein the first magnetic layer includes an interface layer formed on an upper side in contact with a lower portion of the tunnel barrier layer, and a main body layer formed on a lower side and serving as an origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and the interface layer includes a first area provided on an inner side and having magnetization, and a second area provided on an outer side to surround the first area and having magnetization smaller than the magnetization of the first area or no magnetization, wherein a film thickness of the tunnel barrier layer on the second area is smaller than a film thickness of the tunnel barrier layer on the first area.