Timothy E Radke

US Patent:

6462919, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Nov 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/442798

Inventors:

Anthony M. Mack - Minneapolis MN
Sining Mao - Savage MN
Michael A. Seigler - Bridgeville PA
Nurul Amin - Burnsville MN
Taras G. Pokhil - Arden Hills MN
Ananth Naman - Edina MN
Jin Li - Bloomington MN
Zheng Gao - Bloomington MN
Edward S. Murdock - Edina MN
Jumna P. Ramdular - Brooklyn Park MN
Timothy Radke - Eagan MN

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

G11B 5127

US Classification:

3603273

Abstract:

A spin valve sensor is disclosed that comprises a first layer of ferromagnetic material and a second layer of ferromagnetic material. A first layer of non-ferromagnetic material is positioned between the first and second layers of ferromagnetic material. A pinning layer is positioned adjacent to the first layer of ferromagnetic material such that the pinning layer is in contact with the first layer of ferromagnetic material. The spin valve includes synthetic antiferromagnetic bias means extending over passive end regions of the second layer of ferromagnetic material for producing a longitudinal bias in the passive end regions of a level sufficient to maintain the passive end regions in a single domain state. A method for forming a spin valve sensor with exchange tabs is also disclosed.