MAGNETO-RESISTIVE LAMINATE STRUCTURE, AND GRADIOMETER INCLUDING THE SAME

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shift an operating point in a ΔR/R-B characteristic of a magneto-resistive laminated structure by an integrated magnetic layer for at least partially applying an internal magnetic field to the magneto-resistive laminated structure. SOLUTION: This magneto-resistive laminate structure is provided with a layered sequence 16 including magnetic layers 12, 12' being soft magnetic layers each formed of a ferromagnetic material, and the magnetization directions of the magnetic layers 12, 12' can be changed by an external magnetic field from the outside of the laminate structure 5. A non-magnetic and conductive intermediate layer 13 is arranged between the magnetic layers 12, 12'. A hard magnetic layer 15 is at least partially incorporated in the magneto-resistive laminate structure 5, the hard magnetic layer applies a magnetic field to a region of an interface between the two magnetic layers and the non-magnetic and conductive intermediate layer 13, an operating point in a characteristic curve of the magneto-resistive laminate structure 5 is shifted by the magnetic field of the hard magnetic layer 15, and the electric resistance of the magneto-resistive laminate structure 5 can be varied depending on the external magnetic field. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT