Patent ID: 6847509
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetoresistive head, comprising: a magnetoresistive film including first and second magnetization free layers, an intermediate layer sandwiched between the first and second magnetization free layers, an underlayer and a protective layer, which are stacked in the order of the underlayers, the first magnetization free layer, the intermediate layer, the second magnetization free layer and the protective layer and arranged to be substantially perpendicular to an air-bearing surface, each magnetization direction of which first and second magnetization free layers is allowed to vary independently in response to a signal magnetic flux from a medium, wherein first and second magnetization free layers produce a magnetoresistance effect in accordance with the magnetization directions thereof; a first electrode electrically connected with the underlayer and a second electrode electrically connected with the protective layer, the first and second electrodes allowing a current to flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the magnetoresistive film; and a first magnetic shield arranged on an opposite side of said first electrode from said underlayer and a second magnetic shield arranged on an opposite side of said second electrode from said protective layer.