Patent ID: 7022383
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: B82Y,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process to manufacture a GMR read head structure, comprising: on a substrate, depositing a first seed layer; depositing a first antiferromagnetic layer on said first seed layer; depositing a pinned layer structure on said first antiferromagnetic layer; depositing a non-magnetic spacer layer on said pinned layer; depositing a free layer on said spacer layer and then depositing a capping layer on said free layer; then, by means of ion milling in the presence of a photoresist mask until at least part of said first seed layer has been removed, patterning said layers to form a pillar that is centrally located and that has opposing sloping sides; with said photoresist mask still in place, depositing a second seed layer on said first seed layer and on said sloping sides; depositing a second antiferromagnetic layer on said second seed layer: depositing a ferromagnetic layer on said second antiferromagnetic layer; depositing a third antiferromagnetic layer on said ferromagnetic layer; depositing a conductive lead layer on said third ferromagnetic layer; lifting off said photoresist mask whereby said capping layer is exposed and the read head is formed; and then annealing said read head in the presence of a magnetic field whereby said ferromagnetic layer becomes permanently magnetized through exchange bias provided by both said second and third antiferromagnetic layers thereby enabling it to provide longitudinal stabilization for said free layer of between about 100 and 1,000 Oe.