Patent ID: 7719799

Claim:
A magnetoresistive element comprising: a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer separate from each other, the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer each having a magnetization whose direction is substantially pinned; and a non-magnetic conductive layer electrically connecting the first and second magnetic layers, the non-magnetic conductive layer forming a path of spin-polarized electrons from the first magnetic layer to the second magnetic layer, and the non-magnetic conductive layer comprising a portion located between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, the portion being a sensing area, wherein the non-magnetic conductive layer is formed on an insulating layer so as to be in contact with the first magnetic layer and second magnetic layer, the sensing area of the non-magnetic conductive layer located between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer has a length of 100 nm or less, and the magnetoresistive element has no magnetic layer in contact with the sensing area of the non-magnetic conductive layer.