Patent ID: 7180713
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive element that detects a change of magnetoresistance by giving a sense current in the thickness direction of a magnetoresistive effect film including at least a base layer, a free layer, a non-magnetic layer, a pinned layer, a pinning layer, and a protection layer, the magnetoresistive element comprising a granular structure layer that includes conductive particles and an insulating matrix material in the form of a thin film containing the conductive particles in a dispersed state and having a smaller thickness than the particle diameter of the conductive particles, the granular structure layer being provided in any of a region existing between the free layer and the non-magnetic layer and a region existing between the non-magnetic layer and the pinned layer.