Patent ID: 6663920
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: B82Y,C23C,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
A method for forming, from an initial magnetoresistive (MR) layer having initial dimensions, a final layer having the same dimensions as said initial layer but containing a final magnetoresistive region of final dimensions which are different from said initial dimensions comprising:providing a substrate; forming over said substrate an initial layer of magnetoresistive (MR) material having initial dimensions; forming over said initial magnetoresistive (MR) layer an ion-implantation mask which is resistant to transmitting ions, the dimensions of said mask being the dimensions of said final magnetoresistive region; implanting said initial magnetoresistive (MR) layer with ions of a particular species such that said ions penetrate the region of said initial magnetoresistive (MR) layer unprotected by said ion-implantation mask with sufficient energy and dosage to destroy the magnetoresistive properties of said unprotected region while retaining its structural and electrical properties; and forming, thereby, a layer having said initial dimensions, which comprises a final magnetoresistive region of said final dimensions and a contiguous ion-implanted region having no magnetoresistive properties, but upon which contiguous region subsequent material layers can be formed and to which contiguous region electrical connections can be made by said material layers.