Patent ID: 7367109
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a GMR sensor comprising the steps of: fabricating a set of samples having: on or more seed layers; a pinning layer; a ferromagnetic first pinned layer deposited on the pinning layer, the ferromagnetic first pinned layer varying in thickness between the samples; a nonmagnetic antiparallel (AP) spacer layer deposited on the first pinned layer; and a ferromagnetic second pinned layer deposited on the AP spacer layer; measuring a net area magnetic moment of the first and second pinned layers in the set of samples to determine a relationship between the net areal magnetic moment and the thickness of the first pinned layer, and to determine thicknesses of the first pinned layers yielding approximately zero net areal magnetic moment; and manufacturing the GMR sensor with the one or more seed layers, the pinning layer and first and second pinned layers with the thickness of the first pinned layer yielding approximately the zero net areal magnetic moment; wherein the first pinned layer comprises first and second Co—Fe films, the first Co—Fe film contacting the AP spacer layer and having an Fe content of approximately from 0 to 10 atomic percent, and the second Co—Fe film contacting the pinning layer and having an Fe content of approximately from 20 to 80 atomic percent.