| 摘要 |
<p>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetoresistive effect element, a magnetic head, a magnetic head assembly, and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus that can achieve size reduction.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a magnetoresistive effect element including first to third shields; first and second magnetic layers; and an intermediate layer is provided. The third shield is provided between the first and second shields and contacts the second shield. A length of the third shield along a first direction orthogonal to a stacking direction from the first shield to the second shield is smaller than a length of the second shield along the first direction. A length of the third shield along a second direction orthogonal to the stacking direction and the first direction is smaller than a length of the second shield along the second direction. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first and third shields. The second magnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the third shield and exchange-coupled to the third shield. The intermediate layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers.</p> |
