Patent ID: 7936539
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bottom spin valve GMR sensor element having ultra-thin layers of high density and smoothness with sub-monolayer thick surface oxygen layers thereon, comprising: a substrate; a seed layer formed on said substrate; an antiferromagnetic pinning layer formed on said seed layer; a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SyAF) pinned layer formed on said pinning layer; a Cu spacer layer formed on said SyAF layer, the surface of said spacer layer not contacting said SyAF layer having an oxygen surfactant layer (OSL) formed thereupon; a ferromagnetic free layer formed on the OSL of said spacer layer; a Ru capping layer formed on said ferromagnetic free layer, the surface of said Ru layer not contacting said free layer having an OSL formed thereupon; a Ta capping layer formed on said Ru capping layer; and wherein said seed layer, said pinning layer, said pinned layer and said free layer each have an OSL inherently formed thereon as a result of the incorporation of oxygen during their formation.