Patent ID: 7268976
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A thin-film magnetic head comprising: a substrate; an insulating film formed on said substrate; a first magneto-resistive effect element for detecting a magnetic signal from a magnetic recording medium comprising: a second magneto-resistive effect element disposed adjacent to said first magneto-resistive effect element for measuring an amount of lapping of said first magneto-resistive effect element along an air bearing surface, said second magneto-resistive effect element consisting essentially of: a third electrode; a fourth electrode; and a second magneto-resistive effect film disposed between said third electrode and said fourth electrode and formed on said insulating film; and wherein a first distance between said substrate and said first magneto-resistive film is the same as a second distance between said substrate and said second magneto-resistive film; and wherein a first thickness of said insulating film where said second magneto-resistive effect element is formed is larger than a second thickness of said insulating film in the region where said first magneto-resistive effect element is formed.