Magnetoresistive element

摘要

A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) structure magnetoresistive element (43) includes a spin valve film. A boundary (BR) is defined between electrically-conductive layers (55a, 55b) included in a non-magnetic intermediate layer (55) in the spin valve film. A magnetic metallic material (56) and an insulating material (57) exist on the boundary (BR). The insulating material (57) serves to reduce the sectional area of the path for the sensing electric current. A CPP structure magnetoresistive element (43) realizes a larger variation in electrical resistance in response to the rotation of the magnetization in the free magnetic layer (58). A sensing electric current of a smaller level is still employed to obtain a sufficient variation in the voltage. Accordingly, a CPP structure magnetoresistive element (43) embodying the present invention greatly contributes to a further improvement in the recording density and reduction in the electric consumption.