Patent ID: 6721145
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B82Y,G11B,H01F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of initializing a first and a second antiferromagnetic layer in a magnetic sensor, said magnetic sensor having an antiparallel pinned substructure, said antiparallel pinned substructure having a first and a second ferromagnetic film, said first antiferromagnetic layer exchanged coupled to said first ferromagnetic film, said method comprising:performing a first thermal treatment of said magnetic sensor in a first magnetic field to pre-initialize said first antiferromagnetic layer; and, performing a second thermal treatment of the magnetic sensor in an optimal value magnetic field to initialize said second antiferromagnetic layer, wherein the magnitude and direction of said optimal value magnetic field is chosen to maintain the pre-initialized direction of magnetization in said first ferromagnetic film.