Magnetic tunnel junction read head using a hybrid, low-magnetization flux guide
US6519124B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/3916
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a magneto-resistive tunnel junction read head having a multi-layer tunnel junction composed of a tunnel barrier layer sandwiched between a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned layer. Contiguous with the free layer is a hybrid, low-magnetization, T-shaped flux guide having a rear flux guide portion and a more narrow front flux guide portion. The front flux guide portion constitutes a part of an ABS (Air Bearing Surface). The rear portion entirely covers and overlaps the tunnel junction. The hybrid flux guide has a lower magnetization -than the sensing layer due to the addition of magnetization reducing elements such as Ta or Nb. Using this design, a tunnel junction read head has improved read performance and achieves a high and stable head output for adaptation to ultrahigh density recording.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.