Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor which includes an element having a first layer that exhibits a magnetoresistive response, a second layer that magnetically biases the first layer and is in contact therewith, and possibly a substrate that contacts the first layer, with the first layer disposed between the second layer and the substrate. Of course, the first and second layers are interchangeable. Adjoining a side of the second layer is an anode contact and a cathode contact. The anode contact and the cathode contact are positioned on the side of the second layer such that they do not contact each other.

Abstract: An improved sensor which responds to varying relative humidity by a change in impedance does not fail at 95-100 percent relative humidity. A microporous glass membrane or irradiated-and-etched plastic membrane contains a salt in its pores and has conductive coatings on both surfaces and hydrophobic films on the conductive coatings. At high humidities the pore fills with water and forms a bulge on the end of the pore because water will not wet the hydrophobic film. With proper choice of the pore radius no salt solution spills out.