Patent ID: 7218486
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive sensor, comprising: a sensor stack having a top surface and first and second laterally opposed sides defining a width there between, the sensor stack comprising: first and second hard magnetic bias layers extending laterally from the laterally opposed sides of the sensor stack; first and second leads disposed over the first and second hard magnetic layers respsectively; a first electrically conductive, non-magnetic lead formed over the first hard magnetic bias layer, the first lead terminating at the sensor stack and extending outward therefrom; a second electrically conductive, non-magnetic lead formed over the second hard magnetic bias layer, the second lead terminating at the sensor stack and extending outward therefrom; a third hard magnetic structure formed over the first lead, terminating at the sensor stack and extending laterally outward therefrom; a fourth hard magnetic structure formed over the second lead, terminating at the sensor stack and extending laterally outward therefrom; and a stabilizing layer of magnetic material extending across at least a portion of the top of the sensor stack and extending across at least a portion of each of the third and fourth hard magnetic structures.