Magnetoresistive element, magnetic head and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus

摘要

A magnetoresistive element has a first magnetic layer (11) and a second magnetic layer (12) separate from each other, the first magnetic layer (11) and the second magnetic layer (12) each having a magnetization whose direction is substantially pinned, and a non-magnetic conductive layer (3) formed in contact with the first magnetic layer (4) and the second magnetic layer (12) and electrically connecting the first and second magnetic layers (11, 12), the non-magnetic conductive layer (3) forming a path of spin-polarized electrons from one of the magnetic layer to the other magnetic layer, the non-magnetic conductive layer (3) comprising a portion located between the first magnetic layer (11) and the second magnetic layer (12), the portion being a sensing area.