Patent ID: 8767356
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive sensor, comprising: a first shielding layer; a second shielding layer; a magnetoresistive element formed therebetween, which comprises an antiferromagnetic layer formed on the first shielding layer, a pinned layer formed on the antiferromagnetic layer, a free layer formed on the pinned layer, and an insulating tunnel barrier layer formed between the pinned layer and the free layer; and a pair of hard magnet layers respectively placed on two sides of the magnetoresistive element; wherein the free layer is funnel-shaped, having a first edge facing an air bearing surface and a second edge opposite the first edge, the first edge having a narrower width than that of the second edge; and wherein each of the hard magnet layers is trapezoid-like, and has a top edge, a bottom edge and a curved edge, wherein the top edge is located at the same level with the second edge, and the bottom edge is located at the same level with the first edge, and the free layer is magnetized by the hard magnet layers to induce an electrical current with a direction parallel to the air bearing surface and perpendicular to the free layer.