Patent ID: 8059372
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A CPP GMR read head having an edge and both narrow track width and effective longitudinal bias stabilization, comprising: a substrate on which is a lower magnetic shield on which is a bottom conductive lead layer on which is a pinning layer on which is a pinned layer on which is a non-magnetic spacer layer on which is a free layer, said layers constituting a GMR stack that is shaped as a central stripe; said GMR stack being flanked by opposing bias magnets that extend downwards as far as said bottom conductive lead layer and upwards such that said bias magnets have top surfaces that are above said free layer; a layer of insulation that covers both said free layer's top surface and said bias magnets' top surfaces; a CPP top conductor that extends from a top surface of said layer of insulation, passing there through to contact said free layer; said bias magnets extending away from said edge to a first distance while being separated from each other by a first width and, starting at said first distance, said bias magnets continuing to extend away from said edge while being separated from each other by a second width that is greater than said first width; said CPP top conductor being symmetrically disposed with respect to said central stripe; and an upper shield that contacts and conforms to said CPP top conductor.