Protective layer for continuous GMR design using reverse photo mask

摘要

An improved process for manufacturing a spin valve structure that has buried leads is disclosed. A key feature is the inclusion in the process of a temporary protective layer over the seed layer on which the spin valve structure will be grown. This protective layer is in place at the time that photoresist (used to define the location of the spin valve relative to the buried leads and longitudinal bias layers) is removed. The protective layer is later removed as a natural byproduct of surface cleanup just prior to the formation of the spin valve itself.