Patent ID: 6493195
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F

Abstract:
A magnetoresistance element comprising:a lower electrode layer which is formed directly on a lower shield layer or on another layer which is formed on the lower shield layer or so as to serve also as the lower shield layer; a magnetoresistance effect layer which is formed on part of an upper surface of the lower electrode layer; an upper electrode layer which is formed above the lower electrode layer so that part of a lower surface of the upper electrode layer will at least be in contact with an upper surface of the magnetoresistance effect layer; a lower electrode anti-erosion/flaking layer which is formed around the lower electrode layer before a photoresist layer remaining on the patterned lower electrode layer is removed so that an edge of the lower electrode anti-erosion/flaking layer facing the lower electrode layer will be in contact with an edge of the lower electrode layer; and a longitudinal bias layer that is formed nearby or in contact with the magnetoresistance effect layer for applying a longitudinal bias magnetic field to the magnetoresistance effect layer, wherein the longitudinal bias layer is formed so that a part of the longitudinal layer will at least be in contact with the magnetoresistance effect layer.