Magnetoresistive sensor and magnetic storage apparatus

摘要

A magnetoresistive sensor which, despite a narrow reproducing shield gap, affords high resolution and high reproducing output because of its structure and is able to minimize the amount of sense current leaking into the shield layer through the gap layer. A magnetic storage apparatus suitable for high-density recording is provided with a magnetic head having said magnetoresistive sensor. The structure is characterized in that at least either of the lower shield layer or upper shield layer is partly or entirely a magnetic layer which is a composite film composed of ferromagnetic metal and oxide, and an insulation protective film is arranged between the electrode film or longitudinal bias film and the magnetic film which is a composite film composed of ferromagnetic metal and oxide.