Patent ID: 8098464
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetic field detecting element comprising: first and second free layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field; a spacer layer that is sandwiched between said first and second free layers; a first exchange coupling transmitting layer a first pinned layer a second exchange coupling transmitting layer that is located adjacent to a surface of said second free layer, said surface of said second free layer being opposite to a surface of said second free layer which is located adjacent to said spacer layer; a second pinned layer which is provided such that said second pinned layer and said second free layer sandwich said second exchange coupling transmitting layer and which is exchange-coupled to said second free layer via said second exchange coupling transmitting layer; and a pair of bias magnetic layers which are provided on both sides of at least said first and second free layers with regard to a track width direction thereof, said pair of bias magnetic layers applying a bias magnetic field to said first and second free layers, wherein: said first and second pinned layers are magnetized in directions which are perpendicular to an air bearing surface and which are anti-parallel with each other, respectively; said first exchange coupling transmitting layer or second exchange coupling transmitting layer has a positive exchange coupling strength, while the other has a negative exchange coupling strength; and said first or second pinned layer that is located adjacent to said first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength has a larger magnetic film thickness than said first or, second free layer that is located adjacent to said first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength.