Patent ID: 6018443
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A thin film magnetic head comprising:(a) a magnetoresistance element layer for changing its electric resistance in response to a change in the direction of an external leakage magnetic field;(b) a pair of hard bias layers formed respectively on longitudinal sides of said magnetoresistance element layer for imposing a longitudinal bias on said magnetoresistance element layer;(c) a pair of main lead layers formed respectively on longitudinal sides of said magnetoresistance element layer for flowing a detection current through said magnetoresistance element layer;(d) an upper shield layer formed on an upper side of said magnetoresistance element layer and spaced therefrom by an upper gap layer formed therebetween;(e) a lower shield layer formed on a lower side of said magnetoresistance element layer and spaced therefrom by a lower gap layer formed therebetween; and(f) a pair of permanent magnet layers formed on longitudinal sides of at least one of said upper shield layer and said lower shield layer in such a manner to sandwich the same layer(s).