Patent ID: 8207587
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: B82Y,G01R,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetic sensor comprising: a substrate; LSI components or wiring layers in the substrate; a silicon oxide film on the substrate, the silicon oxide film having a planar surface and a slope; a plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements, each of which includes, in order, a free layer adjacent the substrate, a conductive layer adjacent the free layer, a pin layer adjacent the conductive layer, and a capping layer adjacent the pin layer, wherein the plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements are located on the planar surface and the slope of the silicon oxide film and wherein a periphery of the free layer of each giant magnetoresistive element on the slope has a tapered shape; a plurality of lead films that connect the plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements in series; a CVD oxide film covering the plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements; and a non-magnetic film composed of Ta, Cr or Ti between the plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements and the CVD oxide film and covering at least the tapered periphery of the free layer with respect to each of the plurality of giant magnetoresistive elements.