Heterogeneous spacers for CPP GMR stacks
US6686068B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1129
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A CPP magnetoresistive sensor with a spacer layer made of a heterogeneous material, which is composed of conductive grains within a highly resistive matrix, has a high resistance. The conductive grains are typically made of a conductive element or alloy that can operate as a GMR spacer material. The highly resistive matrix is typically made of a highly resistive or insulating element, alloy or compound that will hinder the flow of electrons. The sensing electrical current is passed through the conductive grains, which are typically made of the same material as GMR spacers, so the GMR is maintained even though the overall resistance is increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.