Patent ID: 6822837
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: B82Y,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A thin-film magnetic head having a magnetoresistive element and a dummy component that are formed on a base, wherein:the magnetoresistive element is formed by etching a part of a film for the magnetoresistive element, the film having a specific shape and being used for forming the magnetoresistive element; the film for the magnetoresistive element includes a first region and a second region; the film is not etched in the first region but etched in the second region partway in a direction from its top surface toward the base; the dummy component is formed by etching a dummy film in its entire region partway in a direction from its top surface toward the base, the dummy film having a composition the same as that of the film for the magnetoresistive element and not being used for forming the magnetoresistive element; and one of surfaces of the dummy component farther from the base is located at a position corresponding to a position of a surface of the film for the magnetoresistive element in the second region that is obtained by the etching, as viewed in a direction of thickness of the magnetoresistive element.