Patent ID: 7420787
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive sensor, comprising: a pinned layer; a free layer; and a spacer layer sandwiched between the free layer and the pinned layer; and wherein: the pinned layer, free layer and spacer layer each have an edge located at an air bearing surface location (ABS location); the free layer extends from the ABS location to a stripe height location; the pinned layer has a portion that is disposed between the ABS location and stripe height location and a portion that extends beyond the stripe height location away from the ABS, the portion disposed between the ABS and stripe height being laterally aligned with the portion extending beyond the stripe height location; further comprising: an electrically conductive material extending laterally from the sides of the sensor and extending from the ABS to the stripe height location, the electrically conductive material terminating at the stripe height location; and an electrically insulating material extending from the sides of the pinned layer, the electrically insulating material initiating at the stripe height and extending a distance beyond the stripe height.