Patent ID: 6355115
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B82Y,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of fabricating a spin-valve magnetic head including a layered body of a first ferromagnetic layer having a first easy axis of magnetization extending in a first direction, a non-magnetic layer formed on said first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer provided on said non-magnetic layer, and an anti-ferromagnetic layer provided on said second ferromagnetic layer in exchange coupling therewith, said method comprising:a first thermal annealing process including the steps of: annealing said layered body in a first annealing state; and applying a magnetic field to said layered body in a second direction different from said first direction while maintaining said layered body in said first annealing state; and a second thermal annealing process including the steps of: annealing said layered body, after said first thermal annealing process, in a second annealing state; and applying a magnetic field in a third direction different from said second direction while maintaining said layered body in said second annealing state.