Patent ID: 7324310
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
1. A current perpendicular to plane (CPP) magnetoresistive sensor having a surface defining an air bearing surface (ABS), said sensor, comprising: a first pinned layer structure a second pinned layer structure; a free layer disposed between said first and second pinned layer structures; said first and second pinned layer structures and said free layer forming a sensor stack having a back edge defining a stripe height measured perpendicular to said ABS; said first pinned layer structure having a backward extending portion extending beyond said stripe height of said sensor stack; said second pinned layer structure having a backward extending portion extending beyond said stripe height; a pinning structure disposed between said backward extending portion of said first pinned layer structure and said backward extending portion of said second pinned layer structure; wherein said pinning structure includes an insulating layer to prevent current flow between said backward extending portion of said first pinned layer structure and said backward extending portion of said second pinned layer structure.