Patent ID: 6327107
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A spin tunnel magneto-resistance effect type magnetic sensor comprising:a first insulating film capable of allowing a current to flow while tunneling therethrough;a first magnetic layer formed on a first plane of said first insulating film, and containing a ferromagnetic substance;a second magnetic layer formed on a second plane of said first insulating film, and containing a ferromagnetic substance;a third magnetic layer formed on said second magnetic layer, and containing an anti-ferromagnetic substance for fixing magnetization of said second magnetic layer;a second insulating film formed on at least one of said first and third magnetic layers, and having an opening in a predetermined region;a first electrode electrically connected to one of said first and third magnetic layers only inside said opening of said second insulating film;a second electrode for causing a current to flow between said first electrode and itself through at least said first and second magnetic layers and said first insulating film;said first magnetic layer formed on a predetermined region of said second electrode; anda pair of magnetic domain control films, formed on both sides of said first magnetic layer to be out of contact from said second magnetic layer, for applying a magnetic bias to said first magnetic layer to control the magnetic domain of said first magnetic layer.