Spin valve/GMR sensor using synthetic antiferromagnetic layer pinned by Mn-alloy having a high blocking temperature

摘要

Disclosed are a spin valve magnetoresistive sensor and methods of fabricating the same. The sensor includes a free layer, a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) layer, a spacer layer positioned between the free layer and the SAF layer, and a Mn-based antiferromagnetic pinning layer in contact wish the SAF layer. The SAF layer includes first and second ferromagnetic CoFe layers and an Ru spacer layer positioned between and directly in contact with the first and second CoFe ferromagnetic layers.