Patent ID: 6667861
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A dual/differential spin valve (SV) sensor, comprising:a first spin valve (SV) structure, comprising: a first ferromagnetic (FM1) layer; an antiparallel (AP)-pinned layer, including: a second ferromagnetic (FM2) layer; a third ferromagnetic (FM3) layer; an antiparallel coupling (APC) layer disposed between said FM2 and FM3 layers; and a conductive first spacer layer disposed between said FM1 and FM2 layers; a second spin valve (SV) structure, comprising: a fourth ferromagnetic (FM4) layer; a fifth ferromagnetic (FM5) layer; and a conductive second spacer layer disposed between said FM4 and FM5 layers; and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer disposed between said FM3 and FM4 layers; and wherein the thickness of the FM2 layer is greater than the thickness of the FM3 layer and the thickness of the FM4 layer is equal or nearly equal to the difference in the thicknesses of the FM2 and FM3 layers.