CPP TYPE GIANT MAGNETORESISTANCE HEAD

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a CPP (Current Perpendicular to the Plane) type giant magnetoresistance head, with which a high output is obtained by firmly fixing the magnetization of a fixed magnetic layer while reducing joule heat. SOLUTION: This CPP type giant magnetoresistive head includes lower and upper shield layers and a giant magnetoresistance element having pinned and free magnetic layers disposed between the upper and lower shield layers through a non-magnetic layer. A current flows perpendicularly to the film plane of the giant magnetoresistance element. An anti-ferromagnetic layer is provided in the rear of the giant magnetoresistance element in the height direction to make contact with the upper or lower surface of a rear portion of the pinned magnetic layer extending in the height direction, and an exchange coupling magnetic field is produced at the interface with the upper or lower surface, so that the magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer is pinned by this exchange coupling magnetic field. For the anti-ferromagnetic layer, an insulating anti-ferromagnetic layer formed of NiO orα-Fe2O3is used . COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI