Magnetic head having a current-perpendicular-to-the-plane structure and using a magneto-resistive effect

摘要

A magnetic head using magnetoresistive effect comprising a magnetic sensing portion formed of a magnetoresistive effect element. The magnetic sensing portion includes a lamination layer structure portion which includes at least a free layer, a fixed layer made of a ferromagnetic material, an antiferromagnetic layer and a spacer layer interposed between the free layer and the fixed layer are laminated with each other. The lamination layer structure portion includes a magnetic flux introducing layer. The lamination layer structure portion has at its lamination layer direction opposing side surfaces formed of one flat surface or continuous one curved surface over at least the free layer, the spacer layer and the fixed layer. A hard magnetic layer for maintaining a magnetic stability of the free layer is disposed in direct contact with the opposing surfaces or through an insulating layer.