Patent ID: 7768824
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive element comprising: a magnetization reference layer having magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, a direction of the magnetization being invariable in one direction; a magnetization free layer having magnetization perpendicular to the film plane, a direction of the magnetization being variable; and an intermediate layer provided between the magnetization reference layer and the magnetization free layer, at least one of the magnetization reference layer and the magnetization free layer including: an interfacial magnetic layer formed in contact with the intermediate layer, and having a crystalline phase crystallized from an amorphous structure; and a crystallization promoting layer formed in contact with the interfacial magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, and promoting crystallization of the interfacial magnetic layer, the magnetization direction of the magnetization free layer being variable by flowing a current between the magnetization reference layer and the magnetization free layer via the intermediate layer.