Read head with file resettable dual spin valve sensor
US6449134B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0008
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dual spin valve sensor is provided which is file resettable. An antiparallel (AP) coupled free layer structure is located between first and second pinned layer structures. The AP coupled free layer structure includes an AP coupling layer between first and second AP coupled free layers. When a current pulse is conducted through a sense current circuit the temperature of the sensor increases and conductive layers of the spin valve sensor exert current fields on the first and second pinned structures which set the magnetic spins of first and second antiferromagnetic pinning layers exchange coupled thereto. When the current pulse is terminated or reduced and the sensor cools the first and second pinning layers pin the magnetic moments of the first and second pinned layers antiparallel with respect to each other. Since magnetic moments of the first and second AP coupled free layers are also antiparallel with respect to each other the magnetic moments of the AP coupled free layer structure and the pinned layers are in phase so that a magnetoresistance, one on each side of the AP coupled free layer structure, are additive to provide a dual magnetoresistive effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.