Patent ID: 6754053
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: B82Y,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
A magnetoresistance effect element comprising:a magnetoresistance effect film having a magnetically pinned layer which includes a ferromagnetic film whose magnetization direction is pinned substantially in one direction, a magnetically free layer which includes a ferromagnetic film whose magnetization direction varies with an external magnetic field, and a non-magnetic intermediate layer interposed between the magnetically pinned layer and the magnetically free layer; a pair of electrodes electrically connected to the magnetoresistance effect film to carry a current in a direction approximately perpendicular to a film plane of the magnetoresistance effect film; and sidewall layers formed at least on side surfaces of the magnetically pinned layer, the non-magnetic intermediate layer and the magnetically free layer of the magnetoresistance effect film, and the sidewall layers are substantially amorphous, and comprise as a major component thereof an oxide, fluoride, nitride, boride, carbide or sulfide of at least one element selected from a group consisting of B, Al, Si, Ge, W, Nb, Mo, P, V, Sb, Zr, Hf, Y, Ti, Ta, Zn, Pb, Cr, Sn, Ga, Cu and rare-earth elements.