MAGNETIC SENSOR AND MAGNETIC ENCODER

摘要

[Object] To provide, in particular, a magnetic sensor and a magnetic encoder having a satisfactory magnetic sensitivity to an external magnetic field in a sensitivity axis direction and an improved disturbance resistance against a magnetic field in a direction other than the sensitivity axis direction. [Solving Means] A magnetic sensor includes a magnetic detection element having an electrical resistance value that varies in accordance with an external magnetic field in a sensitivity axis direction. The magnetic detection element includes an element portion 10 having a layered structure in which a first magnetic layer 31 and a second magnetic layer 33 are stacked with a non-magnetic layer 32 interposed therebetween. Magnetization of each of the first magnetic layer 31 and the second magnetic layer 33 is variable in accordance with the external magnetic field. In a magnetic-field-free state, the first magnetic layer 31 and the second magnetic layer 33 are magnetized in substantially antiparallel directions along a direction parallel to the sensitivity axis direction. The element portion 10 has an oblong shape that extends in the sensitivity axis direction.