MAGNETIC READ SENSOR USING SPIN HALL EFFECT

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic read sensor using the spin Hall effect.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a magnetic sensor utilizing the spin Hall effect to polarize electrons for use in measuring a magnetic field. The sensor eliminates the need for a pinned layer structure or antiferromagnetic layer (AFM layer), thereby achieving reduction in gap thickness required for increased data density. The sensor includes a non-magnetic electrically conductive layer, and the non-magnetic electrically conductive layer is configured to accumulate electrons predominantly of one spin at a side thereof when a current flows therethrough in the plane. A magnetic free layer is located adjacent to the side of the non-magnetic electrically conductive layer. A change in the direction of magnetization in the free layer relative to the orientation of the spin polarized electrons causes a change in voltage output of the sensor.