Abstract: A magnetoresistive device includes a free layer, a separating layer, a pinned layer, and a magnetic stabilizer in close proximity to the pinned layer, wherein the magnetic stabilizer may enhance the stability of the magnetization direction of the pinned layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive stack includes a free layer, a separating layer, a pinned layer, and a magnetic stabilizer in close proximity to the pinned layer such that such that the magnetic stabilizer enhances the stability of the magnetization direction of the pinned layer.

Abstract: A method for measuring bias magnetic field for controlling magnetic domain (longitudinal bias magnetic field) of a MR element has the step of applying an external measurement magnetic field onto the MR element which is biased with the magnetic field for controlling the magnetic domain (longitudinal bias magnetic field) in parallel to the direction of the bias magnetic field, the step of measuring &rgr;-H loop of the MR element (output resistance of MR element versus magnetic field strength loop) under the application of the external measurement magnetic field, and the step of determining a shifted amount of the measured &rgr;-H loop.