Patent ID: 6452385
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,Y10S

Abstract:
A magnetoresistive effect sensor comprising:a magnetoresistive effect multi-layered structure of a first anti-ferromagnetic material layer positioned underneath a first ferromagnetic material layer which receives a bias magnetic field caused by an exchange coupling with said first anti-ferromagnetic material layer, a nonmagnetic material layer on top of said first ferromagnetic material layer and underneath a second ferromagnetic material layer which changes its magnetization direction in response to a magnetic signal applied thereto; a second anti-ferromagnetic material layer for an exchange coupling to control a magnetic domain in said second ferromagnetic material layer, formed on end regions of said second ferromagnetic material layer; and a protection layer deposited on said magnetoresistive effect multi-layered structure; said protection layer being formed by a double-layered film made of one of Ta/PtMn, Ta/Cu, Ta/Al, Ta/Ru, TiW/Cu, TiW/Rh and TiW/Ru.