Patent ID: 9679589
Date: 2017-06-13
CPC Classifications: G01R,G11B,H01L

Claim:
1. A read sensor comprising: a free layer having a magnetization that changes according to an external magnetic field; a magnetic bilayer comprising a first pinned layer and a second pinned layer, wherein the first pinned layer comprises a bottom surface and a top surface, and wherein the second pinned layer is in contact with the top surface of the first pinned layer, and wherein the magnetic bilayer is stabilized by an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer that is in contact with the bottom surface of the first pinned layer; a non-magnetic layer that includes a corrugated surface facing the bottom surface of the first pinned layer, the corrugated surface configured to enhance uniaxial anisotropy in the read sensor; and a bearing surface, wherein the AFM layer is recessed behind the bearing surface, and wherein the non-magnetic layer that includes the corrugated surface is positioned between the bearing surface and the AFM layer, and wherein the non-magnetic layer is coplanar with an upper portion of the AFM layer.