Protective layer for continuous GMR design

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 remains in place while the buried leads as well as longitudinal bias means are formed. Processing includes use of photoresist liftoff. The protective layer is removed as a natural byproduct of surface cleanup just prior the formation of the spin valve.