Spin valve read sensor with specular reflector structure between a free layer structure and a keeper layer

摘要

A specular reflector structure including one or more layers is located between a free layer structure and a keeper layer for reflecting conduction electrons toward the free layer so as to increase the magnetoresistive coefficient (dr/R) of the spin valve sensor. In the preferred embodiment the specular reflector structure includes a first specular reflector layer of silver (Ag) and a second specular reflector layer of copper (Cu) with the first specular reflector layer interfacing the keeper layer and the second specular reflector layer interfacing the free layer.