Patent attributes
Magnetoresistive effect elements are provided with an element unit having an elongated shape in which an element length L1 is formed to be longer than an element width W1. The element unit has a fixed magnetic layer and a free magnetic layer laminated via a non-magnetic layer on the fixed magnetic layer. A magnetism direction of the fixed magnetic layer faces an element width direction (Y direction) of a sensitivity axis direction. First soft magnetic bodies formed to have a width size W2 and a length size L2 are arranged in a non-contact manner on both lateral sides of the magnetoresistive effect element. The length size L2 is longer than the element length L1, and the first soft magnetic body has an extension part extending in an element length direction from both sides in the element length direction of the element unit.