Patent ID: 7848059

Claim:
A magnetoresistive effect element comprising: a magnetization fixed layer having substantially fixed magnetization direction; a magnetization variable layer having a variable magnetization direction, formed of a magnetic alloy that has a BCC structure and is expressed by Fe 1-x-y Co x Ni y (0≦x+y≦1, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1), and containing at least one additive element of V, Cr, and Mn in a range of 0<a≦20 at % (a is a content); and an intermediate layer disposed between the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization variable layer and formed of a nonmagnetic material, wherein the magnetization direction of the magnetization variable layer is switched by a bidirectional current passing through the magnetization fixed layer, the intermediate layer, and the magnetization variable layer.