Magnetic recording sensor with AFM exchange coupled shield stabilization

摘要

A magnetic recording sensor with AFM exchange coupled shield stabilization for use in a data storage device includes a read sensor positioned between a bottom shield and a top shield. The top shield comprises a first ferromagnetic (FM) layer, a coupling layer, and a second FM layer. An exchange coupling insertion layer is provided between the second FM layer and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer above. In an embodiment of the invention, the exchange coupling insertion layer comprises CoFe with a Fe content from about 35-45 at. %, and thickness from about 1 nm to about 3 nm. In another embodiment of the invention, the exchange coupling insertion layer comprises a bi-layer, including first sub-layer comprising CoFe with Fe content from about 8-12 at. %, and second sub-layer comprising CoFe with Fe content from about 35-45 at. %, and the bi-layer has a thickness less than about 4 nm.

主权项

1. A magnetic recording sensor for use in a data storage device, the magnetic recording sensor comprising:
a read sensor positioned between a magnetic bottom shield and a magnetic top shield; wherein the magnetic top shield comprises:
a first ferromagnetic (FM) layer above a nonmagnetic layer, the first FM layer comprising a first soft magnetic material;an antiferromagnetic coupling (AFC) layer above the first FM layer;a second FM layer above the AFC layer, the second FM layer comprising a second soft magnetic material;an exchange coupling insertion layer above the second FM layer, andan antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer above the exchange coupling insertion layer;wherein the AFC layer comprises a first AFC enhancing layer above the first FM layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer above the first AFC enhancing layer, anda second AFC enhancing layer above the nonmagnetic spacer layer.