Abstract: A magnetic memory is provided in which the margin between a write current and a read current can be reduced. A magnetic storage element includes: a first magnetic layer in which the direction of magnetization can be reversed; a second magnetic layer in which the direction of magnetization is fixed; and a non-magnetic layer which is interposed between the first and second magnetic layers. The write current and the read current are supplied to the magnetic storage element in the stacking direction thereof through a read-write line. Moreover, a bias line which can apply a bias magnetic field to the first magnetic layer during a reading operation is disposed in the vicinity of the magnetic storage element.

Abstract: A TMR element has a free first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer with a magnetization direction B fixed, a nonmagnetic insulating layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, a third magnetic layer provided above a surface of the first magnetic layer and having a fixed magnetization direction, and a first nonmagnetic conductive layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, and an area of a cross section of the first magnetic layer perpendicular to a stack direction is not less than 0.001 ?m2, and less than 0.02 ?m2.

Abstract: A magnetic memory is provided in which the margin between a write current and a read current can be reduced. A magnetic storage element includes: a first magnetic layer in which the direction of magnetization can be reversed; a second magnetic layer in which the direction of magnetization is fixed; and a non-magnetic layer which is interposed between the first and second magnetic layers. The write current and the read current are supplied to the magnetic storage element in the stacking direction thereof through a read-write line. Moreover, a bias line which can apply a bias magnetic field to the first magnetic layer during a reading operation is disposed in the vicinity of the magnetic storage element.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium and a method for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is formed with periodical undulation in the circumferential direction thereof. The apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium according to the present invention includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, an alternate current signal generation circuit 13 for applying an alternate current A to the first electrode 11, a detection circuit 14 for detecting a level of an alternate current B appearing at the second electrode 12, and a control circuit 15 for controlling the operations of the alternate current signal generation circuit 13 and the detection circuit 14.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for discriminating the type of an optical recording medium and the number of recording layers in the medium. The apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode placed in the vicinity of a light transmission layer of the recording medium, an alternating current signal generation circuit for applying an alternating current A to the first electrode, a detection circuit for detecting the level of an alternating current B appearing at the second electrode, and a control circuit for controlling the operations of the alternating current signal generation circuit and the detection circuit, and a table provided in the control circuit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is warped and formed with periodical undulation in the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A TMR element has a free first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer with a magnetization direction B fixed, a nonmagnetic insulating layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, a third magnetic layer provided above a surface of the first magnetic layer and having a fixed magnetization direction, and a first nonmagnetic conductive layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, and an area of a cross section of the first magnetic layer perpendicular to a stack direction is not less than 0.001 ?m2, and less than 0.02 ?m2.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium and a method for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is warped.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium and a method for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is formed with periodical undulation in the circumferential direction thereof. The apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium according to the present invention includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, an alternate current signal generation circuit 13 for applying an alternate current A to the first electrode 11, a detection circuit 14 for detecting a level of an alternate current B appearing at the second electrode 12, and a control circuit 15 for controlling the operations of the alternate current signal generation circuit 13 and the detection circuit 14.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium and a method for discriminating an optical recording medium which can quickly discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium. The apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium according to the present invention includes a first electrode and a second electrode, an alternating current signal generation circuit for applying an alternating current A to the first electrode, a detection circuit for detecting the level of an alternating current B appearing at the second electrode, and a control circuit for controlling the operations of the alternating current signal generation circuit and the detection circuit, and a table provided in the control circuit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is warped and formed with periodical undulation in the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for discriminating an optical recording medium and a method for discriminating an optical recording medium which can reliably discriminate the kind of an optical recording medium even in the case where the optical recording medium to be discriminated is warped.