Patent ID: 8542466

Claim:
A magneto-resistance effect element, comprising: a bottom electrode; a first fixed magnetization layer formed on or above the bottom electrode, the first fixed magnetization layer having a magnetization substantially fixed in one direction; a magnetic coupling layer formed on the first fixed magnetization layer; a second fixed magnetization layer formed on the magnetic coupling layer, the second fixed magnetization layer having a magnetization substantially fixed in one direction; a free magnetization layer formed opposite to the second fixed magnetization layer, the free magnetization layer having a magnetization rotated in accordance with an external magnetic field; a spacer layer disposed between the second fixed magnetization layer and the free magnetization layer, the spacer layer including a current confining layer, the current confining layer having an insulating layer and a conductor to pass a current through the insulating layer in a thickness direction thereof, the insulating layer including oxide, nitride or oxynitride; a functional layer formed in or on the second fixed magnetization layer, the functional layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Mg, B, and Al; and a top electrode formed on or above the free magnetization layer, the top electrode being configured to pass electric current in combination with the bottom electrode.