Patent ID: 6115224
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B,H01F,H01L

Abstract:
A spin-valve thin film element comprising:an antiferromagnetic layer;a pinned magnetic layer formed in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer, a magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer being fixed due to an exchange anisotropic magnetic field with said antiferromagnetic field and a free magnetic layer formed over said pinned magnetic layer via a non-magnetic conductive layer;a bias layer to align a magnetization direction of said free magnetic layer along a direction to cross with the magnetization direction of said pinned magnetic layer; anda conductive layer to impart a sensing current to the pinned magnetic layer,wherein said antiferromagnetic layer is formed of an antiferromagnetic material that induces an exchange coupling by applying a heat treatment and a coercive force of said free magnetic layer in the absence of the bias layer is not greater than 2 Oe but greater than zero Oe.