Patent ID: 8085512

Claim:
A magnetic field detecting element comprising: a stack which includes first, second and third magnetic layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field, said second magnetic layer being positioned between said first magnetic layer and said third magnetic layer, a first non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between said first magnetic layer and said second magnetic layer, said first non-magnetic intermediate layer producing a magnetoresistance effect between said first magnetic layer and said second magnetic layer, and a second non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between said second magnetic layer and said third magnetic layer, said second non-magnetic intermediate layer allowing said second magnetic layer and said third magnetic layer to be exchange-coupled such that magnetization directions thereof are anti-parallel to each other under no magnetic field, said stack being adapted such that sense current flows in a direction that is perpendicular to a film surface thereof; and a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a side of said stack, the side being opposite to an air bearing surface of said stack, said bias magnetic layer applying a bias magnetic field to said stack in a direction that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface.