Patent ID: 6157526
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A magnetoresistive head having a magnetoresistive film which converts a magnetic signal to an electric signal utilizing a magnetoresistive effect, a pair of electrodes which supply a signal detection current to said magnetoresistive film, and a longitudinal bias layer which applies a longitudinal bias field to said magnetoresistive film;said magnetoresistive film comprising:a multi-layered film which includes a first magnetic thin film, an intermediate layer of a non-magnetic conductive thin film, a second magnetic thin film, and an antiferromagnetic layer wherein a direction of magnetization in said first magnetic thin film is fixed by an exchange interaction between said first magnetic thin film and said antiferromagnetic layer, and a direction of magnetization in said second magnetic thin film is substantially perpendicular to the direction of magnetization in said first magnetic thin film in the absence of an external magnetic field; andsaid longitudinal bias layer comprising:an underlayer comprising an amorphous ferromagnetic thin film and a hard magnetic thin film which is formed on said underlayer.