Patent ID: 6636394
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: B82Y,G01R,G11B

Abstract:
A spin-valve magnetic resistance sensor, comprising:a magnetic resistance effect film having a pair of magnetic layers with a non-magnetic layer sandwiched in between; an antiferromagnetic layer located adjacent to one of the pair of magnetic layers; an underlayer laminated to the antiferromagnetic layer, the antiferromagnetic layer and the one of the pair of magnetic layers having a {111} coherent crystal orientation; a substrate laminated to the underlayer; and wherein the antiferromagnetic layer has a thickness less than 50 angstroms and includes an antiferromagnetic material comprising one of a Irâ€”Mnâ€”X alloy, wherein X comprises at least one of Ta or Nb, and wherein a content of X in the Irâ€”Mnâ€”X alloy is in the range of greater than 0.1 at % to less than 10 at %.