Patent ID: 6771474
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: B82Y,G11B,G11C

Abstract:
A magnetic head having a magneto-resistive element, said magneto-resistive element comprising:a substrate, a multi-layer having a first magnetic layer, a first insulating layer, a second magnetic layer, a second insulating layer, and a third magnetic layer laminated on said substrate in that order, a voltage supplier applying a voltage between the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer; a direction of magnetization of one of a set of the first and third magnetic layers and the second magnetic layer being substantially parallel or counter-parallel with a detecting direction of an external magnetic field; and a controller making a direction of magnetization of the other of the set of the first and third magnetic layers and the second magnetic layer being substantially perpendicular to the detecting direction of the external magnetic field when the external magnetic field is not present; and a detector detecting, when the direction of magnetization of the other of the set of the first and third magnetic layers and the second magnetic layer is changed by the external magnetic field, a change of a current tunneling through the first and second insulating layers caused thereby, wherein a coercive force of said set of first and third magnetic layers is higher than that of the second magnetic layer, and said controller is a controller causing a current to flow in a non-magnetic metal layer laminated on said multi-layer and in an inner direction of a layer surface of said non-magnetic metal layer.