Patent ID: 6243241
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A spin valve magneto-resistance effect head, comprising:a spin valve film formed by a non-magnetic layer, a pinned layer, a free layer and an antiferromagnetic layer, said non-magnetic layer consisting of non-magnetic substance, said pinned layer consisting of magnetic substance and formed to one surface of said non-magnetic layer, said free layer consisting of magnetic substance and formed to the other surface of said non-magnetic layer, and said antiferromagnetic layer formed to the other surface of said pinned layer, wherein a change of resistivity based on giant magneto-resistance effect for a signal magnetic field applied from a storage medium is output from said spin valve film as voltage drop in response to sense current applied from outside;a pair of magnetic shield members each being arranged opposite to each surface of said spin valve film, for magnetically shielding said spin valve film from a magnetic field applied from outside except for said signal magnetic field; anda gap isolation member arranged between said spin valve film and the pair of magnetic shield members for setting the relative position therebetween in order to form a predetermined gap having non-conductivity therebetween;wherein said antiferromagnetic layer is provided in order to magnetize said pinned layer in a direction orthogonal to the direction of said sense current by forming a magnetic field by an exchange coupling to said pinned layer; andsaid gap isolation member supports said spin valve film so as to be arranged to a position deflected to one side of said magnetic shield member in such a way that the direction of leakage magnetic field applied to said spin valve film in accordance with magnetic field formed by said sense current has a component of magnetization direction of said pinned layer.