Patent ID: 6512660
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A current perpendicular-to-the-plane magnetoresistance (CPP-MR) read head, comprising:a top shield formed of magnetically shielding, electrically-conductive material; a bottom shield formed of a magnetically shielding, electrically-conductive material; a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) structure disposed between the top shield and the bottom shield, the GMR structure being in electrical contact with the top and bottom shields such that a first current flows from one of the top and bottom shields through the GMR structure to the other one of the top and bottom shields; a metal pillar separately formed from the GMR structure and electrically connected to one of the top and bottom shields, the metal pillar carrying a second current, the metal pillar disposed such that the second current flows in a direction generally perpendicular-to-the-plane of the GMR structure.