Patent ID: 7212383
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetic sensing element comprising: a pair of first antiferromagnetic layers separated by a first spacer section having a predetermined distance in a track width direction; a first spacer layer having a disordered crystal structure disposed in the first spacer section, the first spacer layer having the same composition as that of the first antiferromagnetic layers and having a thickness that is smaller than that of the first antiferromagnetic layers; a first free magnetic layer disposed over the first antiferromagnetic layers and the first spacer layer; a nonmagnetic interlayer disposed on the first free magnetic layer; a second free magnetic layer disposed on the nonmagnetic interlayer; and a pair of second antiferromagnetic layers separated by a second spacer section having the predetermined distance in the track width direction on the second free magnetic layer, wherein upper surfaces of the first antiferromagnetic layers and upper surface of the first spacer layer form a continuous surface, and the first free magnetic layer is disposed on the continuous surface; and wherein magnetization directions of the first free magnetic layer and the second free magnetic layer are rotatable in response to an external magnetic field, causing a change in resistance of the magnetic sensing element.