Patent ID: 7111386
Filing Date: 2006-09-26
Classification: B82Y,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process for forming leads to a magnetic read head, comprising: providing a spin valve structure having two opposing sloping sides on each of which is a layer of longitudinally biased magnetic material, said biased material and said spin valve having coplanar topmost surfaces on which is a protective layer; depositing a layer of a resist sensitive to deep UV on said protective layer; exposing said resist layer to a deep UV pattern whereby, after development, a pedestal of said resist remains midway between said biased layers; wet surface cleaning all of said protective layer not covered by said pedestal; activating all of said protective layer not covered by said pedestal by immersing said protective layer in an aqueous solution containing between about 1 and 10% weight percent of an acid for up to two minutes; then immersing said protective layer in a plating solution and then electroplating onto said protective layer a layer of a metal; removing said resist pedestal, thereby forming a pair of leads separated by a gap; and depositing a capping layer on said pair of leads.