Exchange biased self-pinned spin valve sensor with recessed overlaid leads

摘要

A spin valve sensor includes an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure which is self-pinned without the assistance of an antiferromagnetic (AFM) pinning layer. A free layer of the spin valve sensor has first and second wing portions which extend laterally beyond a track width of the spin valve sensor and are exchange coupled to first and second AFM pinning layers. Magnetic moments of the wing portions of the free layer are pinned parallel to the ABS and parallel to major planes of the layers of the sensor for magnetically stabilizing the central portion of the free layer which is located within the track width. The spin valve sensor has a central portion that extends between the first and second AFM layers. First and second lead layers overlay the first and second AFM layers and further overlay first and second portions of the central portion so that a distance between the first and second lead layers defines a track width that is less than a distance between the first and second AFM layers. The spin valve sensor has a cap layer structure that has a full thickness portion which is located between first and second reduced thickness portions and the first and second lead layers engage the cap layer structure within the first and second reduced thickness portions.