Patent ID: 6274025
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A method of fabricating a passivation layer over a MR Sensor; comprising the steps of:a) forming an MR sensor over a substrate; said MR sensor is comprised of a material that can be oxidized by an electroplating process or galvanic process;b) spinning-on and printing a lift-off photoresist structure over said MR sensor; said lift off photoresist structure comprised of a lower photoresist layer and an upper photoresist layer; said liftoff structure defining a read track;c) developing said lift-off photoresist structure and oxidizing said MR sensor in a developing/oxidizing solution to: (1) remove portions of said lower photoresist layer on said MR sensor; and (2) to form a passivation layer on said MR sensor;d) etching said passivation layer using said lift-off photoresist structure as a mask to remove areas of said passivation layer not under said lift-off structure;e) depositing a lead layer on said MR sensor and depositing overspray portions of said lead layer over the passivation layer remaining under said liftoff structure; andf) removing said lift-off structure; wherein said passivation layer defines said track width; said passivation layer is an electrical insulator that prevents sensor current from shunting through overspray layers while allowing heat to dissipate through to said overspray portions of said lead layer.