Magnetic read sensor using spin hall effect

摘要

A magnetic sensor utilizing the spin Hall effect to polarize electrons for use in measuring a magnetic field. The sensor eliminates the need for a pinned layer structure or antiferromagnetic layer (AFM layer), thereby reducing gap thickness for increased data density. The sensor includes a non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer that is configured to accumulate electrons predominantly of one spin at a side thereof when a current flows there-through. A magnetic free layer is located adjacent to the side of the non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer. A change in the direction of magnetization in the free layer relative to the orientation of the spin polarized electrons causes a change in voltage output of the sensor.

主权项

1. A magnetic sensor, comprising:
a magnetic free layer wherein the magnetic free layer has a magnetization that is biased in a direction a parallel with an air bearing surface, but that is free to move in response to a magnetic field; a non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer formed adjacent to the magnetic free layer, and configured to accumulate spin polarized electrons at a side thereof based on a spin Hall effect when an electrical current flows through the non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer; circuitry connected with the non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer for supplying a current through the non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer; and circuitry connected to measure a change in electrical resistance between the magnetic free layer and the non-magnetic, electrically conductive layer.