Magnetization sensor for sensing the write field characteristics of a perpendicular or longitudinal recording head

摘要

A magnetization sensor for sensing write field characteristic of a perpendicular or longitudinal recording head such as may be used with a disc drive, and a method of manufacture therefor are disclosed. The sensor can be manufactured concurrently with the write head and incorporated therein. The magnetization sensor comprises a non-magnetic layer separating a hard magnetic layer and a soft magnetic layer, with electrical leads to provide a biasing and sensing current. The magnetization sensor can be either a giant magnetoresistive element or a tunneling magnetoresistive element, depending upon the non-magnetic layer used in the construction of the device.