Patent ID: 6914757
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistance effect element comprising: a stacked film including a magnetization fixed layer in which the direction of magnetization is substantially fixed to one direction, and a magnetization free layer in which the direction of magnetization varies in accordance with an external magnetic field; and an electrode connected to a part of a principal plane of the stacked film, the magnetoresistance effect element having a resistance varying in response to a relative angle between the direction of magnetization in the magnetization fixed layer and the direction of magnetization in the magnetization free layer, the resistance being detected when a sense current is applied to the film planes of the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer via the electrode in a direction substantially perpendicular to the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer, the electrode comprising: the magnetoresistance effect element being configured such that the sense current flows only through the single pillar electrode portion.