Edge barrier to prevent spin valve sensor corrosion and improve long term reliability

摘要

A magnetic data storage and retrieval system has a bottom shield, a first half gap positioned on the bottom shield, a sensor layer positioned on the first half gap, a second half gap positioned on the sensor layer; and a top shield positioned on the second half gap. The sensor layer includes a magnetoresistive sensor having sidewalls and a barrier surrounding and in direct contact with the sidewalls of the magnetoresistive sensor.