THIN FILM MAGNETIC HEAD WITH MAGNETIC IMPEDANCE EFFECT ELEMENT

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a reading performance of a high sensitivity in a linear response to an infinitesimal magnetic field from a magnetic recording medium by providing a magnetic impedance effect element thin film made of an Fe soft magnetic alloy having a noncrystalline phase and anα-Fe fine crystalline grain size including a specific mean crystalline grain size as main bodies as for detecting an external magnetic field. SOLUTION: The thin film magnetic head comprises a magnetic impedance effect element for generating a change of an impedance according to an external magnetic field as for detecting the external magnetic field, which is formed of an Fe soft magnetic alloy containing a noncrystalline phase andα-Fe fine crystalline grains having a mean crystal grain size of 50 nm or less as main bodies. A write head has thin film-like upper core and lower core, and a magnetic gap interposed between the upper and lower cores and a coil conductor, and a read head has a magnetic impedance effect element, and an electrode film connected to this impedance effect element thin film. An MI effect element thin film made of the soft magnetic alloy has a good symmetry of an impedance change to positive and negative magnetic fields, thereby obtaining reading characteristics at a high sensitivity.