Method and apparatus for providing a magnetic read sensor having a thin pinning layer and improved magnetoreistive coefficient

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing a magnetic read sensor having a thin pinning layer and improved magnetoresistive coefficient &Dgr;R/R is disclosed. A thin IrMn alloy pinning layer is disposed adjacent a composite pinned layer, wherein the percentage of iron in the pinned layer adjacent the thin IrMn alloy pinning layer in the range of 20-40% to provide maximum pinning.