Spin-valve magnetic head with the pinned layer having different directions for its magnetization axis and its easy axis
US6355115B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49034
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method is disclosed for fabricating a spin-valve magnetic head including a layered body of a first ferromagnetic layer having a first easy axis of magnetization extending in a first direction, a non-magnetic layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer provided on the non-magnetic layer, and an anti-ferromagnetic layer provided on the second ferromagnetic layer in exchange coupling therewith. The method includes a first thermal annealing process with the steps of annealing the layered body in a first annealing state and applying a magnetic field to the layered body in a second direction different from the first direction, while maintaining the layered body in the first annealing state. The method further includes a second thermal annealing process with the steps of annealing the layered body, after the first thermal annealing process, in a second annealing state and applying a magnetic field in a third direction different from the second direction while maintaining the layered body in the second annealing state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.