Reader structure with barrier layer contacting shield

摘要

Implementations disclosed herein include a reader comprising a magnetically free layer and first barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is in direct contact with a bottom shield in a down-track direction. Another implementation includes a device comprising a sensor stack comprising a free layer and a barrier layer; a synthetic antiferromagnetic shield layer comprising a reference layer and a pinned layer, wherein direction of magnetization of the reference layer forms an obtuse angle with direction of magnetization of the free layer in a quiescent state.

主权项

1. A reader comprising:
a top shield; a magnetically free layer; and a first barrier layer on a first side of the free layer, wherein the first barrier layer is in direct contact with a bottom shield in a down-track direction, a direction of magnetization of the bottom shield is perpendicular to an air-bearing surface of the reader, the top shield has a magnetization direction parallel to the air-bearing surface of the reader, and the top shield and the bottom shield have a substantially equal cross-track width that is greater than a cross-track width of the free layer.