Patent ID: 6473257
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
A method for measuring characteristics of a tunnel magnetoresistance effect element having a tunnel multilayered film comprising a tunnel barrier layer which is a thin insulation film which allows electrons to pass therethrough while keeping spins of the electrons due to the tunnel magnetoresistance effect and a first and a second ferromagnetic layer formed to sandwich said tunnel barrier layer therebetween, wherein said method comprises the steps of:setting an initial current value I0 which does not destroy the element to be measured; measuring a first resistance value R1 as an approximate resistance value of the element by applying the current of value I0 in a laminate direction, and defining, based on said first resistance value R1 and a voltage value Vs which is a constant voltage value as a measurement standard for the element, an inspection current value Is (Is=Vs/R1); and measuring the characteristics of the element by applying the current of value Is in the laminate direction, wherein said initial current value I0 is set to be in the range of 1 &mgr;A to 2.3 mA.