MAGNETIC SENSOR AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

Disclosed is a magnetic sensor that is capable of adjusting the fixed magnetization direction of each magnetic detection element on the same substrate with a high degree of accuracy by changing the method for controlling fixed magnetization, and is also capable of controlling the same in a weak magnetic field. An electrically conducting layer (6) is formed upon the substrate, and at this time, a plurality of pattern sections are formed with differing orientations, through which a current is run when applied to the electrically conducting layer. A first magnetic layer (13a) is formed upon each pattern section, and the first magnetic layer is formed while applying an external magnetic field, which is generated by running a current in the electrically conducting layer (6), to the first magnetic layer. A second magnetic layer (13c) is formed upon the first magnetic layer (13a) via a nonmagnetic intermediate layer (13b), and at this time, the aforementioned second magnetic layer is formed while applying an external magnetic field, which is generated by running a current in the electrically conducting layer (6), to the aforementioned first magnetic layer (13a). An RKKY coupling magnetic field is generated via the nonmagnetic intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and the fixed magnetization direction of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer can be controlled in an anti-parallel state.