Technique for robust resetting of spin valve head

Details Technique for robust resetting of spin valve head Technique for robust resetting of spin valve head

1997-05-13

2000-09-12

Renner, Craig A.

Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval

Head

Hall effect

G11B 539

Patent

active

061186228

ABSTRACT:
A process for resetting or initially establishing the magnetic orientation of one or more spin valves in a magnetoresistive read head with improved robustness. The spin valve includes subcomponents such as an antiferromagnetic layer, a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a conductive layer, a free layer, and a hard bias layer. A first external magnetic field is first applied to the spin valve sensor, this field having a first orientation relative to the spin valve sensor. During application of the first external magnetic field, a pulse of electrical current is directed through the spin valve sensor in a first direction, preferably parallel to the magnetic orientation of the external field. The current waveform brings the antiferromagnetic layer of the spin valve past its blocking temperature, freeing its magnetic orientation. The first external field exerts a robust bias upon the antiferromagnetic layer in the desired direction. Depending upon its flow direction, the current pulse may contribute an internal magnetic field that cooperates in magnetically biasing the antiferromagnetic layer as desired. After the current pulse, the antiferromagnetic layer cools below its blocking temperature, retaining the desired biasing. After the first external field is removed, and a second external magnetic field may be applied to the spin valve sensor for a predetermined time. The second external field is oriented to magnetically direct the hard bias layer of the sensor, thereby establishing the quiescent magnetization of the sensor's ferromagnetic free layer.

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