Patent ID: 8191235
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: B32B,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a magnetoresistance effect element, which includes a barrier layer composed of an oxidized metal, a first magnetic layer, which is constituted of a pinned layer whose magnetization direction is fixed and which contacts a surface of the barrier layer, and a second magnetic layer, which is constituted by a free layer whose magnetization direction is turned by an external magnetic field and which contacts another surface of the barrier layer, comprising the steps of: laminating the barrier layer, which is constituted of a MgO layer whose thickness is 1.0 nm or less, on the first magnetic layer by a sputtering method in which a target composed of MgO is used; and laminating the second magnetic layer on the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is annealed, by heating the barrier layer at a temperature of between 200-400° C. in a vacuum atmosphere, before laminating the second magnetic layer on the barrier layer, so as to maintain crystal orientation of (200).