| 摘要 |
A magnetic field detecting element includes: first and second free layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field; a spacer layer that is sandwiched between the first and second free layers; a first exchange coupling transmitting layer that is located adjacent to a surface of first free layer, the surface of first free layer 53 being opposite to a surface of the first free layer which is located adjacent to the spacer layer; a first pinned layer which is provided such that the first pinned layer and the first free layer sandwich the first exchange coupling transmitting layer and which is exchange-coupled to first free layer via the first exchange coupling transmitting layer; a second exchange coupling transmitting layer that is located adjacent to a surface of the second free layer, the surface of the second free layer being opposite to a surface of the second free layer which is located adjacent to the spacer layer; a second pinned layer which is provided such that the second pinned layer and the second free layer sandwich the second exchange coupling transmitting layer and which is exchange-coupled to the second free layer via the second exchange coupling transmitting layer; and a pair of bias magnetic layers which are provided on both sides of at least the first and second free layers with regard to a track width direction thereof, the pair of bias magnetic layers applying a bias magnetic field to the first and second free layers. The first and second pinned layers are magnetized in directions which are perpendicular to an air bearing surface and which are anti-parallel with each other, respectively. The first exchange coupling transmitting layer or second exchange coupling transmitting layer has a positive exchange coupling strength, while the other has a negative exchange coupling strength. The first or second pinned layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength has a larger magnetic film thickness than the first or second free layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength.
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