Patent ID: 7471492

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 pinned; and a non-magnetic conductive layer electrically connecting the first and second magnetic layers, the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer contact with a same surface of the non-magnetic conductive layer, 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 the 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.