Patent ID: 7227772
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
1. A method for testing a tunnel magnetoresistive effect element comprising the steps of: measuring initially a resistance value of said tunnel magnetoresistive effect element to provide the measured resistance value as a first resistance value; measuring a resistance value of said tunnel magnetoresistive effect element after continuously feeding a current through said tunnel magnetoresistive effect element from a substrate side to an anti-substrate side for a predetermined period of time, to provide the measured resistance value as a second resistance value; and evaluating whether said tunnel magnetoresistive effect element is a non-defective product with no pinhole depending upon a degree of change in resistance of said tunnel magnetoresistive effect element over said predetermined Period of time said degree of change in resistance being determined based upon said first resistance value and said second resistance value.