Patent ID: 7345854
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A GMR sensor of the spin-valve type including a reference layer having a magnetic moment that is free to move under the influence of external fields, comprising: a substrate; an undercoated lower shield formed on the substrate; a lower dielectric gap layer formed on the lower shield; an antiferromagnetic pinning layer formed on the lower dielectric gap layer; a five layer structure formed on said pinning layer, said five layer structure further comprising: a third spacer layer formed on said reference layer; a ferromagnetic free layer formed on said third spacer layer, said free layer having a magnetic moment that is free to move; and, wherein the angle between the magnetic moments of said reference layer and said free layer is set initially between approximately 95° and 125° when there is no external magnetic field and wherein the magnetic moments of said reference layer and said free layer thereby move in opposite directions when there is an external magnetic field; a capping layer formed on the free layer; an upper gap layer formed on the capping layer; an upper shield formed on the upper gap layer.