Patent ID: 7580231
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
1. A magneto-resistive element comprising; a pinned layer whose magnetization direction is fixed with respect to an external magnetic field; a free layer whose magnetization direction is changed in accordance with the external magnetic field; and a spacer layer which is sandwiched between said pinned layer and said free layer, said spacer layer being made of copper, wherein said magneto-resistive element is configured such that sense current is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to layer surfaces, wherein said free layer comprises: wherein said ternary alloy layer includes nickel and iron at a composition ratio in which a ratio x of an atomic percentage of nickel to a total atomic percentage of nickel and iron is 27%≦x≦45%, and wherein said free layer consists of one nonmagnetic layer and two ternary alloy layers which are provided on both sides of said nonmagnetic layer, and wherein a thickness t of each ternary alloy layer is in a range of 1.3 nm≦t≦3.5 nm.