Patent ID: 8184408
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive element comprising: a magnetoresistive film comprising a magnetization pinned layer a magnetization direction of which is substantially pinned in one direction, a magnetization free layer a magnetization direction of which is varied depending on an external magnetic field, an intermediate layer arranged between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, a cap layer arranged on the magnetization pinned layer or on the magnetization free layer, and a functional layer formed of an oxygen- or nitrogen-containing material and arranged in the magnetization pinned layer, in the magnetization free layer, in an interface between the magnetization pinned layer and the intermediate layer, in an interface between the intermediate layer and the magnetization free layer, or in an interface between the magnetization pinned layer or the magnetization free layer and the cap layer; and a pair of electrodes which pass a current perpendicularly to a plane of the magnetoresistive film, wherein a crystalline orientation plane of the functional layer is different from a crystalline orientation plane of its upper or lower adjacent layer.