GMR spin valve sensor with ion implanted areas

摘要

A magnetic read head for use in a magnetic data storage and retrieval system is disclosed. The read head is typically a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) spin valve read sensor with a portion of the GMR spin valve read sensor implanted with ions. The implanted ions improve the GMR sensor's sensitivity to changes in resistance by increasing the resistance of inefficient or ineffective portions of the sensor. The invention is also directed to methods of making GMR read sensors.