MAGNETORESISTIVE ELEMENT, MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF, MAGNETIC DETECTION ELEMENT AND MAGNETIC RECORDING/REPRODUCING ELEMENT

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easy-to-manufacture magnetoresistive element exhibiting a large magnetoresistive variation, enabling to be formed into an element has a good controllability, and a high sensitivity magnetic detection element, as well as a recording/reproducing element employing the magnetoresistive element. SOLUTION: The magnetoresistive element comprises a magnetic element (1) provided on the main face of a substrate (S) wherein the magnetic element (1) has a part (C) for constricting a current flowing in a direction substantially parallel to the main face of the substrate, and first and second conductive regions (1A, 1B) connected through the constricted part. Electric resistance decreases when a magnetic field is applied in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of a current flowing through the constricted part.