MAGNETO-RESISTIVE ELEMENT, MAGNETIC REPRODUCING HEAD, AND MAGNETIC INFORMATION REPRODUCER

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a magneto-resistive element or the like capable of improving thermal stability of a current-narrowing CPP spin valve to secure long-term reliability. SOLUTION: The magneto-resistive element includes a magnetically secured film P including a first ferromagnetic layer 2 with its magnetization direction secured substantially in one direction; a magnetization free film including a second ferromagnetic layer 10 with its magnetization direction varying with an external magnetic field applied; an intermediate layer S including an insulation film 8 formed between the films P and the layer 10, and a metallic conductor 9 extending in the thickness direction of the film 8; a magneto-resistive film A including a layer 7 containing an ionic compound or a covalent compound formed in the vicinity of the metallic conductor 9; and a pair of electrodes 1 and 11 for supplying a sensing current in an approximately vertical direction. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI