The reluctance element, to possess the axis of easy magnetization of vertical direction to

摘要

According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first and second magnetic layers, a first nonmagnetic layer, a conductive layer. The first and second magnetic layers have axes of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane. The first and second magnetic layers have variable and invariable magnetization directions, respectively. The first nonmagnetic layer is between the first and second magnetic layers. The conductive layer is on a surface of the first magnetic layer opposite to a surface on which the first nonmagnetic layer is formed. The first magnetic layer has a structure obtained by alternately laminating magnetic and nonmagnetic materials. The nonmagnetic material includes at least one of Ta, W, Nb, Mo, Zr, Hf. The magnetic material includes Co and Fe. One of the magnetic materials contacts the first nonmagnetic layer. One of the nonmagnetic materials contacts the conductive layer.