Magnetic sensor with thin capping layer

摘要

A magnetic sensor for use in a data storage device is described. The magnetic sensor includes a composite layer comprising a free layer portion and a bias layer portion each comprising a magnetic material, a shield layer comprising a magnetic material, and a continuous spacer layer comprising a non-magnetic material, the spacer layer separating the shield layer from the composite layer such that the magnetic coupling between the shield layer and the bias layer portion is stronger than the magnetic coupling between the shield layer and the free layer portion. A disk drive comprising a rotatable magnetic recording disk and the slider including the magnetic sensor arranged with the magnetic recording disk is also described.

主权项

1. A magnetic sensor comprising:
a composite layer comprising a free layer portion and a bias layer portion surrounding opposing sides of the free layer portion, each of the free layer portion and the bias layer portion comprising a magnetic material; a first shield layer comprising a magnetic material; a second shield layer comprising a magnetic material; a seed layer between the second shield layer and the composite layer; and a continuous spacer layer comprising a non-magnetic material selected from the group consisting of Ru, Cu, Cr, Au, and Ag, the continuous spacer layer separating the first shield layer from the composite layer such that the magnetic coupling between the first shield layer and the bias layer portion is stronger than the magnetic coupling between the first shield layer and the free layer portion, wherein the continuous spacer layer is disposed between the first shield layer and the free layer portion, wherein the continuous spacer layer is disposed between the first shield layer and the bias layer portion, and wherein the continuous spacer layer contacts the free layer portion.