Magnetic sensor for improving hysteresis and linearity

A magnetic sensor includes a non-bias structure element section that has a laminated structure in which a fixed magnetic layer, a non-magnetic material layer, a free magnetic layer, and a protection layer are laminated, and that is extended in an X1-X2 direction; and soft magnetic bodies that are arranged on the element section in a contactless manner. The soft magnetic bodies include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The second section is located on a Y2 side of the element section and the third section is located on a Y1 side thereof. The second section of one of soft magnetic bodies faces the third section of the other soft magnetic body in a Y1-Y2 direction through the element section. An electrode layer is provided on the element section which faces the joint sections of the second section and the third section in the Y1-Y2 direction.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application contains subject matter related to and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-007663 filed on Jan. 18, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a magnetic sensor in which hysteresis and linearity are improved.

2. Description of the Related Art

A magnetic sensor using magneto-resistive sensors can be used as, for example, a terrestrial magnetic sensor which detects terrestrial magnetism incorporated into a portable apparatus such as a mobile phone.

WO2009/084433 and WO2011/089978 are examples of the related art. In the related art, when an exceptionally strong magnetic field acts in a magnetic sensor which is provided with a bias layer used to supply a bias magnetic field to element sections from the outside, problems occur in that outputs (middle point potential differences) are changed after the applied magnetic field is removed and in that hysteresis and linearity deteriorate because the magnetization of the bias layer is destroyed or easily fluctuated due to the action of the strong magnetic field. These and other drawbacks exist.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a magnetic sensor in which hysteresis and linearity are improved.

The various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a magnetic sensor including: a non-bias structured element section that has a laminated structure in which, from a bottom, a fixed magnetic layer, a non-magnetic material layer, a free magnetic layer, and a protection layer are laminated in order or in which, from the bottom, the free magnetic layer, the non-magnetic material layer, the fixed magnetic layer, and the protection layer are laminated in order, and that is formed in such a way as to be extended in an X1-X2 direction; and a plurality of soft magnetic bodies that are arranged on the element section in a contactless manner. A sensitivity axis direction of the element section may be a Y1-Y2 direction which is perpendicular to the X1-X2 direction. Each of the soft magnetic bodies may be extended in the Y1-Y2 direction, and may include a first section which faces the element section in a thickness direction in a contactless manner, a second section which is extended from a Y2 side end portion of the first section to the X1 direction and is arranged on the Y2 side of the element section in a plan view, and a third section which is extended from a Y1 side end portion of the first section to the X2 direction and is arranged on the Y1 side of the element section in a plan view. In two soft magnetic bodies which are adjacent in the X1-X2 direction, a part of the third section of a first soft magnetic body which is arranged on the X1 side may face a part of the second section of a second soft magnetic body which is arranged on the X2 side via a gap in the Y1-Y2 direction. A joint section of the third section of the first soft magnetic body, which does not face the second section of the second soft magnetic body, and a joint section of the second section of the second soft magnetic body, which does not face the third section of the first soft magnetic body, may respectively face the element section in the Y1-Y2 direction in a plan view. On the element section which faces the joint sections, an electrode layer which biases current may be arranged.

According to the various embodiments, when the electrode layer is arranged on the upper surface of the element section which faces the joint section and from which the protection layer is removed, it is possible to cause the corresponding section to not have sensitivity as the element section. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the element section is formed in a long shape in the X1-X2 direction without using a bias layer, thus the element section can be arranged other than magnetic field detection, and it is possible to appropriately obtain the shape anisotropy effect. As described above, compared to the related art, the tolerance of the strong magnetic field is excellent and it is possible to improve hysteresis and linearity.

According to the disclosure, the electrode layer may be arranged in a state in which a part of the protection layer remains. In the configuration, in which, from the bottom, the fixed magnetic layer, the non-magnetic material layer, the free magnetic layer, and the protection layer are laminated in order, the free magnetic layer is not planed, the shape anisotropy effect is effectively exhibited, thus the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer in the non-magnetic field state is stabilized in a state in which the magnetization direction appropriately faces the X1-X2 direction, and it is possible to appropriately improve hysteresis and linearity properties.

Further, the electrode layer may be arranged on an upper surface of the element section in the X1-X2 direction at an interval, and the interval may be the section where the third section of the first soft magnetic body faces the second section of the second soft magnetic body via the gap, and the first section of each of the soft magnetic bodies may face the electrode layer in the thickness direction in a contactless state. The electrode layer may be simply arranged. In addition, a section which causes current to flow into the element section corresponds to only the section which faces each of the soft magnetic bodies through the gap. Thus it is possible to appropriately improve hysteresis and linearity.

Still further, a plurality of element sections that are formed to be extended in the X1-X2 direction may be provided in the Y1-Y2 direction at intervals, and end portions of the respective element sections in the X1-X2 direction may be connected through a conductive layer.

In various embodiments, the magnetic sensor may further include: a first magneto-resistive sensor, a second magneto-resistive sensor, a third magneto-resistive sensor, a fourth magneto-resistive sensor, each having a non-bias structured element section which has the same laminated structure and sensitivity axis direction. Each of the soft magnetic bodies, arranged in the first magneto-resistive sensor and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor, may include the first soft magnetic body and the second soft magnetic body. Each of the soft magnetic bodies, arranged in the second magneto-resistive sensor and the third magneto-resistive sensor, may include a first section which is extended in the Y1-Y2 direction and faces the element section in the thickness direction in a contactless manner, a fourth section which is extended from the Y2 side portion of the first section to the X2 direction and arranged on the Y2 side of the element section in a plan view, and a fifth section which is extended from the Y1 side end portion of the first section to the X1 direction and arranged on the Y1 side of the element section in a plan view. In two soft magnetic bodies which are adjacent in the X1-X2 direction, a part of the fourth section of a third soft magnetic body arranged on an X1 side may face a part of the fifth section of a fourth soft magnetic body arranged on the X2 side in the Y1-Y2 direction via the gap. A bridge circuit may be configured in such a way that the first magneto-resistive sensor is connected to the second magneto-resistive sensor in series through a first output unit, the third magneto-resistive sensor is connected to the fourth magneto-resistive sensor in series through a second output unit, the first magneto-resistive sensor is connected to the third magneto-resistive sensor through an input unit, and the second magneto-resistive sensor is connected to the fourth magneto-resistive sensor through a ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments described by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving a magnetic sensor. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments, depending on specific design and other needs.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram (plan view) illustrating a magnetic sensor according to an embodiment.FIG. 2is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating the magnetic sensor in which a part of a first magneto-resistive sensor and a fourth magneto-resistive sensor is enlarged.FIG. 3is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating the magnetic sensor in which a part of a second magneto-resistive sensor and a third magneto-resistive sensor is enlarged.FIG. 4is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a magnetic sensor, in which a part of a first magneto-resistive sensor and a fourth magneto-resistive sensor is enlarged according to an embodiment which is different fromFIG. 2.FIG. 5is a partially enlarged longitudinal section view illustrating the magneto-resistive sensor taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2and viewed from the arrow direction.FIG. 6is a partially enlarged longitudinal section view illustrating the magnetic sensor taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 2and viewed from the arrow direction.

A magnetic sensor S which may include magneto-resistive sensors according to an embodiment is provided as a terrestrial magnetic sensor which is mounted on a portable apparatus, for example, a mobile phone.

An X1-X2 direction and a Y1-Y2 direction shown in each drawing indicate two directions which are substantially perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, and a Z direction indicates a direction which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

As shown inFIG. 1, in the magnetic sensor S, a magneto-resistive sensor forming region13may be divided into four regions by the X1-X2 direction and the Y1-Y2 direction based on the center13a, and a first magneto-resistive sensor1, a second magneto-resistive sensor2, a third magneto-resistive sensor3, and a fourth magneto-resistive sensor4may be formed in the respective regions. Meanwhile, as described later, each of the magneto-resistive sensors1to4may be formed in a meander shape in such a way that element sections and electrode layers in a row. However, inFIG. 1, the shape within each of the magneto-resistive sensors1to4is abbreviated and shown.

As shown inFIG. 1, the first magneto-resistive sensor1and the third magneto-resistive sensor3may be connected to an input terminal (Vdd)5. In addition, the second magneto-resistive sensor2and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor4may be connected to a ground terminal (GND)6. In addition, a first output terminal (V1)7may be connected between the first magneto-resistive sensor1and the second magneto-resistive sensor2. In addition, a second output terminal (V2)8may be connected between the third magneto-resistive sensor3and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor4. As described above, a bridge circuit may be configured with the first magneto-resistive sensor1, the second magneto-resistive sensor2, the third magneto-resistive sensor3, and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor4.

Each of the magneto-resistive sensors1to4may include a plurality of element sections, a plurality of electrode layers, and a plurality of soft magnetic bodies which do not come in contact with the respective element sections and the respective electrode layers.

As shown inFIG. 2, the plurality of element sections9may be arranged at intervals in the Y1-Y2 direction. Each of the element sections9may be configured with a non-bias structure (a structure in which a hard bias layer is not provided), and may be formed to be extended in a straight line shape or a strip shape in the X1-X2 direction. The width dimension of each of the element sections9(the dimension in the Y1-Y2 direction) may be approximately 0.5 to 5 μm, the height dimension of each of the element sections9(the dimension in the X1-X2 direction) may be approximately 2 to 300 μm, and the aspect ratio of each of the element sections9(height dimension/width dimension) is approximately 4 to 600.

Each of the element sections9may be formed on the insulated foundation layer19of the surface of a substrate15as shown inFIG. 5(partial longitudinal section view).

Each of the element sections9may be formed in such a way that, for example, from the bottom, a non-magnetic foundation layer60, a fixed magnetic layer61, a non-magnetic layer62, a free magnetic layer63, and a protection layer64may be laminated in order. Each of the layers included in the element section9may be formed by, for example, sputtering.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the fixed magnetic layer61may have a laminated ferri structure which may include a first magnetic layer61a, a second magnetic layer61b, and a non-magnetic interlayer61cinterposed between the first magnetic layer61aand the second magnetic layer61b. Each of the magnetic layers61aand61bmay be formed of a soft magnetic material such as a CoFe alloy (cobalt ferroalloy). The non-magnetic interlayer61cmay be formed of Ru. The non-magnetic layer62may be formed of a non-magnetic material such as Cu (copper). The free magnetic layer63may be formed of a soft magnetic material such as a NiFe alloy (nickel ferroalloy). The protection layer64may be formed of Ta (tantalum).

In various embodiments, the fixed magnetic layer61may be the laminated ferri structure, that is, a self-pin end shape in which the first magnetic layer61aand the second magnetic layer61bare magnetized and fixed in anti-parallel. In the self-pin end shape shown inFIG. 5, an anti-ferromagnetic layer may not be used. Therefore, each of the magnetic layers61aand61cwhich are included in the fixed magnetic layer61may be magnetized and fixed without performing a heat treatment in the magnetic field. Meanwhile, it is sufficient that the magnetization fixing power of each of the magnetic layers61aand61bmay have an amplitude in which magnetization fluctuation does not occur even when an external magnetic field is acting.

However, the laminated structure of the element section9shown inFIG. 5is an example. For example, a configuration which has a laminated structure in which, from the bottom, an anti-ferromagnetic layer, a fixed magnetic layer, a non-magnetic layer, a free magnetic layer, and a protection layer are laminated in order can be provided. In this configuration, the magnetization direction of the fixed magnetic layer can be fixed by generating an exchange-coupled magnetic field (Hex) between the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the fixed magnetic layer. In addition, a laminated structure, in which, from the bottom, the free magnetic layer63, the non-magnetic material layer62, the fixed magnetic layer61, and the protection layer64are laminated in order may be provided. In addition, the fixed magnetic layer61can be configured such that the first magnetic layer61aand the second magnetic layer61bhave the same magnetization amplitude and that the magnetization directions thereof are anti-parallel.

The fixed magnetization direction of the second magnetic layer61b(P; sensitivity axis direction) included in each element section9may be the Y2 direction (refer, for example, toFIGS. 2 and 5). The fixed magnetization direction (P) may be the fixed magnetization direction of the fixed magnetic layer61.

As shown inFIG. 2, the electrode layers16may be arranged on the upper surface of each element section9at intervals of T1in the X1-X2 direction.

As shown inFIG. 5, at the location in which each electrode layer16is formed, a part of the protection layer64may be cut, and the electrode layer16may be formed on a depressed section64awhich may be formed as a result of cutting.

The electrode layer16may be formed of a non-magnetic conductive material which may have lower electrical resistance than those of the element section9and the protection layer64. Although the material of the electrode layer16is not particularly limited thereto, the electrode layer16may be formed using a single layer formed of a non-magnetic conductive material, such as Al, Cu, Ti or Cr, or the laminated structure thereof. For example, the electrode layer16may be formed of a laminated structure including Cu and Al.

As shown inFIG. 2, the width dimension of each electrode layer16(dimension of Y1-Y2) may be greater than the width dimension of each element section9. Therefore, the electrical resistance of the electrode layer16can be reduced. In addition, when each of the electrode layers16is formed on the upper surface of each element section9, the margin of the alignment can be widely obtained.

Further, as described above, a part of the protection layer64can be cut by performing, for example, etching. The process of cutting a part of the protection layer64may be performed to particularly cut an oxidation layer on the surface of the protection layer64. Therefore, the conductivity between the element section9and the electrode layer16can be excellent. In addition, when the surface of the protection layer64is cut by performing etching, control may be such that a part of the protection layer64remains as shown inFIG. 5. Therefore, the free magnetic layer63is not affected by the etching and is not removed.

As shown inFIG. 2, the plurality of element sections9may be arranged in parallel in the Y1-Y2 direction, and the end portions of each element section9in the X1-X2 direction may be electrically connected by the electrode layers (conductive layers)16, thereby forming a meander shape.

As shown inFIG. 2, each soft magnetic body12may be configured to include a first section12ewhich may be extended in the Y1-Y2 direction, a second section12fwhich may be extended in the X1 direction from the Y2 side end portion of the first section12eand which may be arranged on the Y2 side of the element section9in a plan view, and a third section12gwhich may be extended in the X2 direction from the Y1 side end portion of the first section12eand which may be arranged on the Y1 side of the element section9in a plan view. Each soft magnetic body12is formed of NiFe, CoFe, CoFeSiB, or CoZrNb.

The first section12eof each soft magnetic body12may be separated from each electrode layer16and arranged above the electrode layer16while intersecting the electrode layer, as shown inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 5, an insulation layer25may be interposed between the first section12eand the electrode layer16, and the first section12emay not electrically come into contact with the electrode layer16.

Here, in two soft magnetic bodies12which may be adjacent in the X1-X2 direction inFIG. 2, a soft magnetic body12which is arranged on the X1 side may be defined as a first soft magnetic body12a, and a soft magnetic body12which is arranged on the X2 side may be defined as a second soft magnetic body12b. InFIG. 2, numerical symbols12aand12bare attached to only a group of soft magnetic bodies12. Meanwhile, the soft magnetic body12which may be defined as the second soft magnetic body12binFIG. 2may become the first soft magnetic body12abecause the soft magnetic body12is located on the X1 side with respect to a soft magnetic body12which is adjacent on the X2 side when viewed from the soft magnetic body12. That is, with respect to each soft magnetic body, when a pair configured with a soft magnetic body which is adjacent on the left side thereof is considered, the soft magnetic body may correspond to the soft magnetic body12b. When a pair configured with a soft magnetic body which is adjacent on the right side thereof is considered, the soft magnetic body may correspond to the soft magnetic body12a. Therefore, from among the soft magnetic bodies12arranged in the X1-X2 direction at intervals, all the soft magnetic bodies12, excepting a soft magnetic body12which is arranged furthest to the X1 side and a soft magnetic body12which is arranged furthest to the X2 side, may be either the first soft magnetic body12aor the second soft magnetic body12b.

Further, when the first soft magnetic body12aand the second soft magnetic body12bwhich are identified inFIG. 2are viewed as representatives, a part of the third section12gof the first soft magnetic body12amay face a part of the second section12fof the second soft magnetic body12bin the Y1-Y2 direction through a gap G. As shown inFIG. 2, no electrode layer16is arranged at a location where the third section12gof the first soft magnetic body12afaces the second section12fof the second soft magnetic body12bthrough the gap G. That is, in a plan view, the gap G may be located at the location corresponding to the interval T1between the electrode layers16.

As shown inFIG. 2, when an external magnetic field H1acts toward the X2 direction, the external magnetic field H1may form a magnetic path M1of an arrow which passes through the soft magnetic bodies12and between the soft magnetic bodies12and12. At this time, as shown inFIG. 6, an external magnetic field H2may leak to the element section9from the third section12gof the first soft magnetic body12ato the second section12fof the second soft magnetic body12bin the Y2 direction, thus the external magnetic field H2may act on the element section9.

As described above, the external magnetic field H1in the X2 direction may be converted into the external magnetic field in the Y2 direction using the soft magnetic bodies12, thereby acting on the element section9.

As described above, the sensitivity axis direction (P) of each element section9is the Y2 direction. In addition, the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63is the X1-X2 direction due to the shape anisotropy of the element section9. Further, since the external magnetic field H2acts each element section9in the Y2 direction, the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63may face the Y2 direction. As a result, the magnetization direction of the fixed magnetic layer61may be the same as the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63, thus electrical resistance may be reduced.

FIG. 3is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating the second magneto-resistive sensor2and the third magneto-resistive sensor3according to an exemplary embodiment.

The difference between the second magneto-resistive sensor2and the third magneto-resistive sensor3shown inFIG. 3and the first magneto-resistive sensor1and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor4shown inFIG. 2is the configuration of a soft magnetic body14. That is, the configurations of the element section9and the electrode layer16are not changed from those shown inFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 3, each of the soft magnetic bodies14may include a first section14ewhich may be extended in the Y1-Y2 direction, a fourth section14fwhich may be extended from the Y2 side end portion of the first section14eto the X2 direction and which may be arranged on the Y2 side of the element section9in a plan view, and a fifth section14gwhich may be extended from the Y1 side end portion of the first section14eto the X1 direction and which may be arranged on the Y1 side of the element section9in a plan view.

Here, in two soft magnetic bodies14which are adjacent in the X1-X2 direction inFIG. 3, a soft magnetic body14which is arranged on the X1 side may be defined as a third soft magnetic body14c, and a soft magnetic body14which is arranged on the X2 side may be defined as a fourth soft magnetic body14d. InFIG. 3, numerical symbols14cand14dmay be attached to only a group of soft magnetic bodies14. Meanwhile, the soft magnetic body14which is defined as the fourth soft magnetic body14dinFIG. 3may become the third soft magnetic body14cbecause the soft magnetic body14may be located on the X1 side with respect to a soft magnetic body14which is adjacent on the X2 side when viewed from the soft magnetic body14. Therefore, from among the soft magnetic bodies14arranged in the X1-X2 direction at intervals, all the soft magnetic bodies14, excepting a soft magnetic body14which is arranged on the most X1 side and a soft magnetic body14which is arranged on the most X2 side, may be either the third soft magnetic body14cor the fourth soft magnetic body14d.

Further, when the third soft magnetic body14cand the fourth soft magnetic body14dwhich are symbolized inFIG. 3are viewed as representatives, a part of the fourth section14fof the third soft magnetic body14cmay face a part of the fifth section14gof the fourth soft magnetic body14din the Y1-Y2 direction through a gap G. As shown inFIG. 3, no electrode layer16is arranged at a location where the fourth section14fof the third soft magnetic body14cfaces the fifth section14gof the fourth soft magnetic body14dthrough the gap G.

As shown inFIG. 3, when an external magnetic field H1is operated toward the X2 direction, the external magnetic field H1may form a magnetic path M2of an arrow which passes through the soft magnetic bodies14and between the soft magnetic bodies14and14. At this time, an external magnetic field H3may leak to the element section9from the fourth section14fof the third soft magnetic body14cto the fifth section14gof the fourth soft magnetic body14din the Y1 direction, thus the external magnetic field H3may affect the element section9.

As described above, in the second magneto-resistive sensor2and the third magneto-resistive sensor3, the external magnetic field H1in the X2 direction may be converted into the external magnetic field in the Y1 direction using the soft magnetic bodies14, thereby affecting the element section9.

As described above, the sensitivity axis direction (P) of each element section9is the Y2 direction. In addition, the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63is the X1-X2 direction due to the shape anisotropy of the element section9. Further, since the external magnetic field H3affects each element section9in the Y1 direction, the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63faces the Y1 direction. As a result, the magnetization direction of the fixed magnetic layer61may be opposite to the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63, thus electrical resistance is increased.

As described above, when the electrical resistance of the first magneto-resistive sensor1and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor4is reduced, the electrical resistance of the second magneto-resistive sensor2and the third magneto-resistive sensor3may be increased, thus it may be possible to obtain different outputs using the bridge circuit shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 7illustrates the magnetic sensor according to the comparative example.FIG. 7illustrates a first magneto-resistive sensor and a fourth magneto-resistive sensor. The configuration of an element section71shown inFIG. 7may be the same as that ofFIG. 5. In addition, the configuration of a soft magnetic body12, and the materials of the soft magnetic body12, the element section71, and an electrode layer72may be the same as in the embodiment. The second magneto-resistive sensor2and the third magneto-resistive sensor3according to the comparative example may be configured by combining the element section71and the electrode layer72shown inFIG. 7with the soft magnetic body14shown inFIG. 3.

The difference between the comparative example shownFIG. 7and the embodiment shown inFIG. 2is that the element section9may be formed in the X1-X2 direction in a long shape in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2but a plurality of element sections71may be separated in the X1-X2 direction at intervals in the comparative example shown inFIG. 7. Further, inFIG. 7, the electrode layer72may electrically connect each of the element sections71.

As shown inFIG. 7, if it is assumed that the external magnetic field H1is operated in the X2 direction, the external magnetic field H2may be operated in the Y2 direction in the element sections71which are included in the first magneto-resistive sensor and the fourth magneto-resistive sensor.

However, inFIG. 7, since the longitudinal dimension of each of the element sections71in the X1-X2 direction is short, the shape anisotropy effect is low and the magnetization of the free magnetic layer63is easily fluctuated in a non-magnetic field state (the non-magnetic field state referred here indicates a state where the external magnetic field H2does not affect the element sections71). As a result, there are problems in that the middle point deviation of hysteresis increase and that it is difficult to obtain appropriate linearity. Although it is considered that a hard bias layer is used in order to solve the problems, the hard bias layer causes the magnetization direction to be displaced under a strong magnetic field, thus a problem occurs that outputs are displaced in a resistance-strong magnetic field.

In contrast, in the embodiment, since the element section9may be formed in the X1-X2 direction in a long shape, the element section9can be arranged other than magnetic field detection, thus it is possible to sufficiently obtain the shape anisotropy effect.

In addition, the present embodiment may include a configuration as described below. That is, as shown inFIG. 2, a joint section12g1which does not face the second section12fof the second soft magnetic body12bin the third section12gof the first soft magnetic body12aand a joint section12f1which does not face the third section12gof the first soft magnetic body12ain the second section12fof the second soft magnetic body12bface the element section9in the Y1-Y2 direction, respectively, in a plan view. Further, the electrode layers16aand16b(the hatched portions inFIG. 2) may be arranged on the upper surface of the element section9which face each of the joint sections12f1and12g1in a state in which the protection layer64is removed (also referee toFIG. 5).

Therefore, in a section which faces the joint sections12g1and12f1in the Y1-Y2 direction, current flows into the electrode layer16prior to the element section9(biased), thus it may be possible to cause the element section9to have no sensitivity in the section. It may be possible to cause the element section9which is not overlapped with the electrode layer16to function as an element. Therefore, even when the magnetic field of oblique components (the components which are oblique to both the X1-X2 direction and the Y1-Y2 direction), which may leak toward the element section9from the vicinity of the joint sections12g1and12f1, may encroach on the portion of the element section9which is in the vicinity of the joint sections12g1and12f1and which may not have sensitivity, it is difficult to generate a magnetoresistance effect, and the components of the external magnetic field H2, which is parallel to the Y1-Y2 direction, encroach on the portion (the portion which is not overlapped with the electrode layer16) of the element section9which has sensitivity, thus the magnetoresistance effect may be exhibited.

In addition, in the embodiment, a bias layer may not be used unlike the related art, thus the element section9has a non-bias structure.

As described above, in the embodiment, the tolerance of the strong magnetic field is excellent compared to the related art, and it may be possible to effectively improve hysteresis and linearity compared to the related example or the comparative example.

FIG. 4is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a magnetic sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 4, the electrode layer16may not be formed on the upper surface of the element section9which face the first section12eof each of the soft magnetic bodies12in the thickness direction (height direction). That is, a structure in which the electrode layers16aand16bwhich are hatched inFIG. 2may be formed on the upper surface of the element section9is provided.

InFIG. 4, even when the magnetic field of oblique components (the components which are oblique to both the X1-X2 direction and the Y1-Y2 direction), which may leak toward the element section9from the vicinity of the joint sections12g1and12f1, may encroach on the portion of the element section9which may be in the vicinity of the joint sections12g1and12f1and which does not have sensitivity, it is difficult to generate a magnetoresistance effect, and the components of the external magnetic field H2, which may be parallel to the Y1-Y2 direction, encroach on the portion (the portion which is not overlapped with the electrode layer16) of the element section9which has sensitivity, thus the magnetoresistance effect is exhibited. Further, inFIG. 4, the element section9may have the non-bias structure in which the element section9may be formed in the X1-X2 direction in a long shape, thus it may be possible to obtain the shape anisotropy effect. Therefore, also in the configuration shown inFIG. 4, the tolerance of the strong magnetic field may be excellent compared to the related art, and it may be possible to effectively improve hysteresis and linearity compared to the related example or the comparative example.

However, if the electrode layer16employs the electrode layer16shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, which is provided in the portion facing the first section12eof each of the soft magnetic bodies12, and which integrates the electrode layers16aand16b, the electrode layer16can be easily formed. In addition, inFIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode layer16may be overlapped with the whole area on the element section9for which sensitivity is not necessary, thus it may be possible to more effectively improve hysteresis and linearity.

In the embodiment, if the electrode layer16is electrically connected to the element section9in an appropriate manner, the protection layer64may not necessarily be cut. However, since the oxidation layer is formed on the surface of the protection layer64, the electrode layer16can be electrically connected to the element section9in an appropriate manner in such a way that the oxidation layer is cut and the electrode layer16may be formed. In addition, the free magnetic layer63may not be cut by remaining a part of the protection layer64than the free magnetic layer63is exposed by cutting all the protection layer64. Therefore, the shape anisotropy effect may be appropriately exhibited, thus the magnetization direction of the free magnetic layer63in the non-magnetic field state may be stabilized in a state in which the magnetization direction appropriately faces the X1-X2 direction, and it may be possible to effectively improve hysteresis and linearity properties.

In various embodiments, the middle point deviation of hysteresis and linearity properties may be obtained when the gap G is changed using the example shown inFIGS. 2 and 3and the comparative example shown inFIG. 7.

In an experiment, the same-sized external magnetic field facing the X1-X2 direction was applied to each of the magnetic sensor of the example and the magnetic sensor of the comparative example, and hysteresis loops were obtained and middle point deviations were measured at that time. Further, a maximum deviation ratio of an output line to an ideal output line (straight line), obtained when the external magnetic field was operated and the output was gradually raised, was measured. The results of the experiment are shown in Table 1 below.

As shown in the results of the experiment inFIGS. 8A and 8B, it was understood that, with respect to either the middle point deviation or linearity, it is possible to improve hysteresis and linearity in the example, compared to the comparative example.

Accordingly, the embodiments of the present inventions are not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Further, although some of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the embodiments of the present inventions can be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the embodiments of the present inventions as disclosed herein. While the foregoing description includes many details and specificities, it is to be understood that these have been included for purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.