A magnetoresistance effect device comprises a magnetic multi-layer film
having at least an antiferromagnetic film, a first ferromagnetic film, a
non-magnetic film, and a second ferromagnetic film formed in the order on
the front surface portion of the substrate, the magnetic multi-layer film
having giant magnetoresistance effect, at least the second ferromagnetic
film having a shape corresponding to a magnetic field detecting portion.
The bias magnetic field applying films are disposed on a conductive film
of the magnetic multi-layer film at outer portions of both edge portions
of the magnetic field detecting portion of the magnetoresistance effective
film. Alternatively, the second ferromagnetic film has a first portion
corresponding to the magnetic field detecting portion and a second portion
corresponding to the outer portions of both the edge portions of the
magnetic field detecting portion, the film thickness-of the second portion
being smaller than the film thickness of the first portion. The bias
magnetic field applying films are formed at the outer portions of both the
edge portions of the magnetic field detecting portion of the second
ferromagnetic film. With the reversely structured magnetoresistance effect
film and the laminate positions of the bias magnetic field applying films,
in addition to suppressing the reproduction fringe and Barkhausen noise,
the decrease of contact resistance, the suppression of insulation detect,
and good linear response characteristic can be accomplished.