Patent ID: 6934132
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F

Abstract:
1. A magneto-resistance effect element comprising: a lower conductive layer; a free layer provided on the lower conductive layer and having an orientation of magnetization varied by a magnetic field applied thereto, said free layer thereby acting as a magnetic sensing layer changing the orientation of magnetization in accordance with the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field; a non-magnetic layer provided on top of the free layer; a fixed layer provided on the non-magnetic layer and having a pinned orientation of magnetization; a vertical bias layer, provided on said lower conductive layer and not underneath said non-magnetic layer, for applying a magnetic field to said free layer, said free layer being patterned to make an end portion thereof overlap that of said vertical bias layer, and said free layer is greater in length in the direction of a magnetic field applied thereto by said vertical bias layer than said fixed layer, and a sense current for detecting a change in electrical resistance of said non-magnetic layer flows substantially in perpendicular relation to said non-magnetic layer, and an underlying layer for said free layer provided under said free layer, and said underlying layer for said free layer being provided on said vertical bias layer and extending on said vertical bias layer beyond said overlapping portion of said free layer.