Patent ID: 7274540
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive device comprising: a first shield layer and a second shield layer disposed at a specific distance from each other; a magnetoresistive element disposed between the first shield layer and the second shield layer; and an underlying layer disposed between the first shield layer and the magnetoresistive element, wherein: the underlying layer, the magnetoresistive element and the second shield layer are stacked on the first shield layer; the underlying layer includes: a first layer having surfaces one of which is in contact with the first shield layer; and a second layer having surfaces one of which is in contact with the other of the surfaces of the first layer and the other of which is adjacent to the magnetoresistive element with a conductive layer disposed in between; the conductive layer is used for feeding the magnetoresistive element a current for detecting magnetic signals; the first layer is made of a material including at least one of Ta, Ti, W, Hf and Y; and the second layer is made of an alloy including Ni and Cr.