Patent ID: 6381105
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
A hybrid dual spin valve magnetoresistive read sensor, comprising:a hybrid dual spin valve including: a first antiferromagnetic layer formed of an antiferromagnetic material with a first Tb, having a magnetization orientation in a first direction, a first soft ferromagnetic layer positioned adjacent to said first antiferromagnetic layer and having a magnetization orientation pinned substantially parallel to said first direction by said first antiferromagnetic layer, a first spacer layer formed of a conductive material and positioned adjacent to said first soft antiferromagnetic layer, a free layer formed of a soft ferromagnetic material and positioned adjacent to said first spacer layer, a second spacer layer formed of a conductive material and positioned adjacent to said free layer, a second soft ferromagnetic layer having a second magnetization orientation and positioned adjacent to said second spacer layer, a third spacer layer formed of a conductive material and positioned adjacent to said second soft ferromagnetic layer, a third soft ferromagnetic layer having a third magnetization orientation and positioned adjacent to said third spacer layer, and a second antiferromagnetic layer formed of an antiferromagnetic material with a second Tb, positioned adjacent to said third soft ferromagnetic layer, having a fourth magnetization orientation in a direction that is substantially antiparallel to said first direction, said second antiferromagnetic layer pinning said third magnetization orientation of said third soft ferromagnetic layer in a direction substantially antiparallel said first direction, said third soft ferromagnetic layer and said second soft ferromagnetic layer being exchange-coupled such that said second magnetization orientation of said second soft ferromagnetic layer is maintained in a direction substantially parallel said first direction; a lead set formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to said hybrid dual spin valve; a current source electrically connected to said lead set; and a signal detection circuit electrically connected to said lead set and configured to detect changes in electrical resistance within said hybrid dual spin valve.