Patent ID: 6433973
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A magnetoresistive sensor comprising:a plurality of spin valve sensor layers; wherein the plurality of spin valve layers comprises: a free magnetic layer having opposing planar first and second surfaces; a first nonmagnetic layer having a planar first surface contacting the first surface of the free magnetic layer and a planar second surface contacting a planar first surface of a first pinned magnetic layer; a second nonmagnetic layer having a first planar surface contacting the second surface of the free magnetic layer and a planar second surface contacting a planar first surface of a second pinned magnetic layer; an air bearing surface perpendicular to a first edge region common to the plurality of spin valve sensor layers; and a non-planar surface perpendicular to a second edge region common to the plurality of spin valve sensor layers and opposite the air bearing surface.