Patent ID: 6282068
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B82Y,G11B,H01F

Abstract:
A magnetic read head comprising:a spin valve sensor, the spin valve sensor including:a ferromagnetic free layer;a multi-layered antiparallel (AP) pinned structure;a nonmagnetic electrically conductive spacer layer located between the free layer and the AP pinned structure;an antiferromagnetic pinning layer; andthe AP pinned structure being located between the pinning layer and the spacer layer; andthe AP pinned structure including:first and second ferromagnetic AP pinned layers with the first AP pinned layer being pinned by exchange coupling with the pinning layer in a first direction;an antiparallel (AP) coupling layer located between the first and second AP pinned layers so that the second AP pinned layer is pinned by the first AP pinned layer in a second direction antiparallel to said first direction;each of the first and second AP pinned layers being cobalt iron (CoFe);an exchange coupling interlayer located between and interfacially engaging the pinning layer and the first AP pinned layer; andsaid exchange coupling interlayer being nickel iron (NiFe).