Patent ID: 6538858
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B82Y,G11B,H01F

Abstract:
A spin-valve thin film element comprising an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer formed in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer so that the magnetization direction is fixed by an exchange coupling magnetic field with the antiferromagnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic conductive layer formed between the pinned magnetic layer and a free magnetic layer, which are laminated in turn on a substrate to form a lamination comprising at least the antiferromagnetic layer, the pinned magnetic layer, the nonmagnetic conductive layer, and the free magnetic layer; hard bias layers formed on both sides of the lamination, for orienting magnetization of the free magnetic layer in the direction crossing the magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer; and conductive layers respectively formed on the hard bias layers, for supplying a sensing current to the lamination;wherein the upper surfaces of the hard bias layers are joined to the sides of the lamination at positions lower than the upper edges of the sides of the lamination, and wherein the free magnetic layer is divided into two layers with a nonmagnetic intermediate layer provided therebetween so that the magnetization directions are in a ferrimagnetic state in which they are antiparallel to each other, and wherein the free magnetic layer of the two free magnetic layers which contacts the nonmagnetic conductive layer is a second free magnetic layer, the other is a first free magnetic layer, the upper surfaces of the hard bias layers are joined to the sides of the lamination in the same layer level as the second free magnetic layer between the upper and lower surfaces thereof.