Patent ID: 8045299
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B82Y,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetic read head, comprising: a tunnel magnetoresistive sensor stack comprising sensor layers of substantially the same width, the sides of the sensor layers being aligned vertically along each side of the sensory layers, the sensor layers of the tunnel magnetoresitive sensor stack including: an oxidized redeposition material formed on the etched sides of at least the tunnel barrier layer and free layer of the sensor stack, the oxidized redeposition material having insulative properties; a first insulating layer having portions extending over ends of and making contact with the top layer of the of the sensor stack, the first insulating layer further formed along and in contact with the sides of the sensor stack and providing a widening base extending away from the sensor stack; a hard bias layer formed along a portion of the first insulating layer, the first insulating layer separating the hard bias layer from the sensor stack; and a second insulating layer formed over the hard bias layer and the first insulating layer, the second insulating layer extending beyond the portions of the first insulating layer making contact with the top layer of the sensor stack and encapsulating the hard bias layer, the second insulating layer terminating in contact with the top layer of the sensor stack while leaving a substantial portion of the top layer of the sensor stack exposed.