Patent ID: 10505105

Abstract:
A magnetoresistive effect element includes: a first ferromagnetic layer as a magnetization fixed layer; a second ferromagnetic layer as a magnetization free layer; and a nonmagnetic spacer layer provided between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer includes a nonmagnetic metal layer formed of Ag, and at least one of a first nonmagnetic insertion layer provided on a lower surface of the nonmagnetic metal layer and a second nonmagnetic insertion layer provided on an upper surface of the nonmagnetic metal layer. The first nonmagnetic insertion layer and the second nonmagnetic insertion layer include an Ag alloy, and thereby lattice mismatch between the nonmagnetic spacer layer, and the first ferromagnetic layer and/or the second ferromagnetic layer is reduced, compared to lattice mismatch when the entire nonmagnetic spacer layer is formed of Ag.