Patent ID: 8208289
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive effect element comprising: a first fixed layer made of a ferromagnetic material with a constant magnetization direction; a first spacer layer formed on the first fixed layer and made of an insulator; a free layer formed on the first spacer layer and made of a ferromagnetic material with a variable magnetization direction; a second spacer layer formed on the free layer and made of a nonmagnetic material; a second fixed layer formed on the second spacer layer, and made of a ferromagnetic material with a constant magnetization direction; a third spacer layer formed below the first fixed layer and made of a nonmagnetic material; and a third fixed layer formed below the third spacer layer, and made of a ferromagnetic material with a constant magnetization direction, wherein the magnetization directions of the first fixed layer, the second fixed layer, the third fixed layer, and the free layer are perpendicular to the layer planes, wherein the magnetization direction of the first fixed layer is adjusted by an electric current flowing between the second fixed layer and the third fixed layer, and wherein the magnetization directions of the first fixed layer and the third fixed layer are the same as each other.