JP2806305B2 - Magnetoresistive head - Google Patents
Magnetoresistive headInfo
- Publication number
- JP2806305B2 JP2806305B2 JP7162539A JP16253995A JP2806305B2 JP 2806305 B2 JP2806305 B2 JP 2806305B2 JP 7162539 A JP7162539 A JP 7162539A JP 16253995 A JP16253995 A JP 16253995A JP 2806305 B2 JP2806305 B2 JP 2806305B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- film
- lateral bias
- bias
- passive
- region
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- Magnetic Heads (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、磁気記録媒体に書き込
まれた磁気的情報を磁気抵抗効果を利用して読み出しを
行う磁気抵抗効果ヘッドに関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive head for reading magnetic information written on a magnetic recording medium by utilizing a magnetoresistance effect.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】磁気ディスク装置の高密度化に伴い、狭
トラック幅，高線密度での記録再生に対応可能な磁気ヘ
ッドとして、再生感度の高い磁気抵抗効果素子（以下、
ＭＲ素子と称す）を備えた磁気抵抗効果ヘッド（以下、
ＭＲヘッドと称す）が実用化され始めている。ＭＲヘッ
ドにおいては、信号磁界に対して線形応答出力に近付け
るための、磁気抵抗効果素子膜（以下、ＭＲ素子膜と称
す）の高さ方向の横バイアス磁界と、バルクハウゼンノ
イズを低減するためと、ＭＲ素子膜のトラック幅方向の
縦バイアスとが必要であることが知られている。2. Description of the Related Art With the increase in the density of magnetic disk drives, a magnetoresistive element (hereinafter, referred to as a high sensitivity) having a high read sensitivity has been developed as a magnetic head capable of recording and reproducing with a narrow track width and a high linear density.
A magnetoresistive head (hereinafter referred to as an MR element)
MR head) has been put to practical use. In the MR head, a lateral bias magnetic field in a height direction of a magnetoresistive element film (hereinafter, referred to as an MR element film) for approaching a linear response output with respect to a signal magnetic field, and for reducing Barkhausen noise. It is known that a vertical bias in the track width direction of the MR element film is required.
【０００３】このようなＭＲヘッド素子部の代表的な従
来例としては、例えば、特開平３−１２５３１１号公報
に開示されている。これは、図４に示すように、横バイ
アス方法として、ＭＲ素子下地絶縁膜２３上には、ＭＲ
素子膜２６に中間層金属膜２５を介して軟磁性膜（ＳＡ
Ｌ膜）から成る横バイアス膜２４を設けたＳＡＬバイア
スが用いられ、縦バイアスとしては、ＭＲ素子膜２６の
端部領域上に設けられた交換結合膜２２による方法が用
いられている。また、交換結合膜２２上には電極膜２７
が形成されている。A typical conventional example of such an MR head element is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-125311. This is because, as shown in FIG.
A soft magnetic film (SA) is formed on the element film 26 through the intermediate metal film 25.
An SAL bias provided with a lateral bias film 24 made of L film) is used, and a method using an exchange coupling film 22 provided on an end region of the MR element film 26 is used as a vertical bias. The electrode film 27 is formed on the exchange coupling film 22.
Are formed.
【０００４】特に、後者の縦バイアスでは、交換結合膜
２２により隣接するＭＲ素子膜２６の両端部分において
トラック幅方向の縦バイアスを発生させ、これにより、
ＭＲ素子膜２６全体の単一ドメイン化が可能となり、バ
ルクハウゼンノイズが低減される。In particular, in the case of the latter vertical bias, a vertical bias in the track width direction is generated at both end portions of the adjacent MR element film 26 by the exchange coupling film 22, whereby
The entire MR element film 26 can be made into a single domain, and Barkhausen noise is reduced.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上述した従来のＭＲヘ
ッドでは、ＭＲ素子膜２６の端部領域上に設けられた交
換結合膜２２によりＭＲ素子膜の単一ドメイン化ははか
られているが、横バイアス膜２４は単一ドメイン化が成
されていないため、動作時におけるドメイン変化により
バイアス磁界に乱れを生じ、そのために再生出力にバル
クハウゼンノイズが混入し、再生特性が低下するという
欠点がある。In the above-mentioned conventional MR head, although the MR element film is formed into a single domain by the exchange coupling film 22 provided on the end region of the MR element film 26. Since the lateral bias film 24 is not formed into a single domain, the bias magnetic field is disturbed due to a domain change during operation, so that Barkhausen noise is mixed in the reproduction output, and the reproduction characteristic is deteriorated. is there.
【０００６】本発明の目的は、ＭＲ素子のみでなく、横
バイアス膜に対しても単一ドメイン化をはかることによ
り、バルクハウゼンノイズを軽減して再生特性を改善し
たＭＲヘッドを提供することにある。An object of the present invention is to provide an MR head in which not only an MR element but also a lateral bias film is formed into a single domain, thereby reducing Barkhausen noise and improving reproduction characteristics. is there.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、所定の長さと
幅を有する中心能動領域と、その両側に隣接して形成さ
れた２つの受動領域とからなり、前記中心能動領域が少
なくとも軟磁性膜からなる横バイアス膜，中間層金属
膜，磁気抵抗効果素子膜の３層が連続的に形成されたも
のから成るＭＲヘッドにおいて、前記磁気抵抗効果素子
膜および前記中間層金属膜は前記中心能動領域のみに形
成され、かつ前記横バイアス膜は前記中心能動領域の全
域と前記２つの受動領域の一部とに形成され、さらに前
記受動領域の横バイアス膜上に順次形成した反強磁性
膜，軟磁性膜，下地膜，電極膜を備え、前記反強磁性膜
が前記受動領域の軟磁性膜および横バイアス膜と交換結
合することにより、前記磁気抵抗効果素子および前記横
バイアス膜の双方に縦バイアスを発生させるようにした
ことを特徴とする。また、前記２つの受動領域の一部
が、前記２つの受動領域の全域であってもよい。The present invention comprises a central active region having a predetermined length and width, and two passive regions formed adjacent to both sides thereof, wherein the central active region has at least a soft magnetic region. In an MR head having three layers of a lateral bias film, an intermediate metal film, and a magnetoresistive element film formed continuously, the magnetoresistive element film and the intermediate metal film are formed of the central active film. An antiferromagnetic film formed only in the region and the lateral bias film is formed in the entire region of the central active region and a part of the two passive regions, and further formed in sequence on the lateral bias film in the passive region; A soft magnetic film, a base film, and an electrode film are provided, and the antiferromagnetic film is exchange-coupled with the soft magnetic film and the lateral bias film in the passive region, so that both the magnetoresistive element and the lateral bias film are vertically connected. Characterized in that so as to generate bias. Further, a part of the two passive regions may be an entire region of the two passive regions.
【０００８】[0008]
【実施例】次に、本発明について図面を参照して説明す
る。Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
【０００９】図１は、本発明の第１の実施例のＭＲ素子
部を示す平面図である。また、図２は、図１のＡ−Ａ′
線断面図である。FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an MR element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.
It is a line sectional view.
【００１０】通常、ＭＲヘッドのＭＲ素子部は、所定の
絶縁層を介して、一対のシールドの間に配設され、さら
に、磁気記録媒体に記録を行うためのインダクティブヘ
ッドと組み合わせた、いわゆる複合ヘッドとして構成さ
れるが、ここでは、本発明の特徴となるところを明確に
するために、シールドおよびインダクティブヘッドを省
略し、ＭＲ素子部のみ示してある。Usually, the MR element portion of the MR head is disposed between a pair of shields via a predetermined insulating layer, and furthermore, a so-called composite head combined with an inductive head for recording on a magnetic recording medium. Although it is configured as a head, here, in order to clarify the features of the present invention, the shield and the inductive head are omitted, and only the MR element portion is shown.
【００１１】図１および図２を参照すると、本実施例の
ＭＲ素子部は、磁気記録媒体に書き込まれた磁気的情報
の感磁部に相当する中心能動領域１と、その両側に隣接
して形成された受動領域２とから成っている。この中心
能動領域１は、ＭＲ素子下地絶縁膜３上に軟磁性膜から
なる横バイアス膜４，中間層金属膜５，ＭＲ素子膜６お
よび絶縁膜７の４層が連続的に形成されたものからな
り、ＭＲ素子膜６と中間層金属膜５とは中心能動領域１
のみに形成され、横バイアス膜４は中心能動領域１およ
び受動領域２にわたって形成されている。Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the MR element portion of the present embodiment has a central active region 1 corresponding to a magnetically sensitive portion of magnetic information written on a magnetic recording medium, and adjacent to both sides thereof. And a passive region 2 formed. The central active region 1 has a structure in which a lateral bias film 4 made of a soft magnetic film, an intermediate metal film 5, an MR element film 6, and an insulating film 7 are continuously formed on an MR element base insulating film 3. And the MR element film 6 and the intermediate metal film 5
The lateral bias film 4 is formed over the central active region 1 and the passive region 2.
【００１２】この構成は、横バイアス膜４，中間層金属
膜５，ＭＲ素子膜６および絶縁膜７の４層を連続的にス
パッタ後、図１の破線で示す横バイアス膜の外形１２
に、いわゆるウィング（翼）状にパターニングし、続い
て、中心能動領域１の相当部にレジストステンシルを形
成し、受動領域部２を横バイアス膜４を残してミリング
することにより得る。そして、このようにして形成され
た受動領域２の横バイアス膜４上に、反強磁性膜８，軟
磁性膜９，電極下地膜１０および電極膜１１を順次形成
したものである。In this configuration, after the four layers of the lateral bias film 4, the intermediate metal film 5, the MR element film 6, and the insulating film 7 are continuously sputtered, the outer shape of the lateral bias film 12 shown by the broken line in FIG.
Then, a pattern is formed in a so-called wing (wing) shape, a resist stencil is formed in a corresponding portion of the central active region 1, and the passive region 2 is obtained by milling while leaving the lateral bias film 4. An antiferromagnetic film 8, a soft magnetic film 9, an electrode base film 10, and an electrode film 11 are sequentially formed on the lateral bias film 4 in the passive region 2 thus formed.
【００１３】本発明の構成の特徴は、反強磁性膜８が、
受動領域２の横バイアス膜４および軟磁性膜９の両方に
隣接して設けられ、互いに交換結合していることにあ
る。軟磁性膜９は、反強磁性膜８との交換結合により一
方向に磁化し、この磁化からの磁界が、ＭＲ素子６に対
して縦方向（トラック幅方向）のバイアス磁界を生じ
る。すなわち、この軟磁性膜９は疑似的な永久磁石とし
て作用し、ＭＲ素子６にトラック幅方向の縦バイアス磁
界を発生させることにより、ＭＲ素子膜６の単一ドメイ
ン化がはかられる。The feature of the configuration of the present invention is that the antiferromagnetic film 8
It is provided adjacent to both the lateral bias film 4 and the soft magnetic film 9 in the passive region 2 and exchange-coupled with each other. The soft magnetic film 9 is magnetized in one direction by exchange coupling with the antiferromagnetic film 8, and a magnetic field from this magnetization generates a bias magnetic field in the longitudinal direction (track width direction) with respect to the MR element 6. That is, the soft magnetic film 9 acts as a pseudo permanent magnet, and generates a longitudinal bias magnetic field in the track width direction in the MR element 6, whereby the MR element film 6 can be made into a single domain.
【００１４】一方、横バイアス膜４に対しては、両側の
受動領域２において反強磁性膜８と交換結合することに
より、トラック幅方向の縦バイアス磁界を発生させ、こ
れにより、横バイアス膜４全体の単一ドメイン化が可能
となる。なお、ＭＲ素子６に対する横バイアスは、従来
例と同様に、ＳＡＬバイアスにより発生する。On the other hand, the lateral bias film 4 is exchange-coupled with the antiferromagnetic film 8 in the passive regions 2 on both sides, thereby generating a vertical bias magnetic field in the track width direction. A single domain as a whole is possible. The lateral bias for the MR element 6 is generated by the SAL bias as in the conventional example.
【００１５】ここで、横バイアス膜４として用いる軟磁
性膜としては、例えば、ＣｏＺｒ，ＣｏＺｒＭｏ，Ｎｉ
ＦｅＲｈ等が用いられ、また、反磁性膜８としては、Ｆ
ｅＭｎ，ＮｉＭｎ，ＦｅＭｎＣｒ，ＮｉＭｎＣｒ等が用
いられ、さらに、中間層金属膜５としてはＴａ，Ｔｉ、
絶縁膜７としては、Ａｌ2 Ｏ3 ，Ｔａ2 Ｏ5 等が用いら
れる。Here, as the soft magnetic film used as the lateral bias film 4, for example, CoZr, CoZrMo, Ni
FeRh or the like is used.
eMn, NiMn, FeMnCr, NiMnCr, etc. are used. Further, as the intermediate metal film 5, Ta, Ti,
As the insulating film 7, Al 2 O 3 , Ta 2 O 5 or the like is used.
【００１６】また、ＭＲ素子膜６もしくは受動領域の軟
磁性膜９としては、例えば、ＮｉＦｅ，ＮｉＦｅＣｏ等
が用いられ、電極膜１１としては、Ａｕ，Ｔａ，Ｗ，Ｍ
ｏ等が用いられるが、電極下地膜１０は、電極膜１１が
Ｗ，Ｍｏの場合には概して不要であるが、Ａｕ電極の場
合には、密着性向上の観点からＴａ，Ｍｏが用いられ、
また、Ｔａ電極の場合は、抵抗値低減の観点からＷ，Ｗ
Ｔｉが用いられる。As the MR element film 6 or the soft magnetic film 9 in the passive region, for example, NiFe, NiFeCo or the like is used, and as the electrode film 11, Au, Ta, W, M
Although o or the like is used, the electrode base film 10 is generally unnecessary when the electrode film 11 is W or Mo. However, when the electrode film 11 is an Au electrode, Ta or Mo is used from the viewpoint of improving adhesion.
Further, in the case of a Ta electrode, W, W
Ti is used.
【００１７】次に、本発明の第２の実施例について説明
する。Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
【００１８】図３は、本発明の第２の実施例のＭＲ素子
部を示す断面図である。図３を参照すると、本実施例
は、第１の実施例の場合と同様に、ＭＲ素子下地絶縁膜
１３上に軟磁性膜からなる横バイアス膜１４，中間層金
属膜１５，ＭＲ素子膜１６および絶縁膜１７の４層が連
続的に形成されており、さらに、反強磁性膜１８により
ＭＲ素子膜１６および横バイアス膜１４の双方に縦バイ
アスを発生させ、単一ドメイン化を実現できる。また、
横バイアス膜１４の外形は、第１の実施例では、図１の
破線に示すように、ウィング状に形成されているが、第
２の実施例では、反強磁性膜１８，軟磁性膜１９，電極
下地膜２０および電極膜２１の外形と同じになるように
パターニングされているため、ウィング状のパターニン
グが不要な分だけ、プロセスが簡略化されている。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an MR element according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that a lateral bias film 14, an intermediate metal film 15, and an MR element film 16 made of a soft magnetic film are formed on an MR element base insulating film 13. In addition, four layers of the insulating film 17 and the insulating film 17 are continuously formed, and a longitudinal bias is generated in both the MR element film 16 and the lateral bias film 14 by the antiferromagnetic film 18 to realize a single domain. Also,
In the first embodiment, the outer shape of the lateral bias film 14 is formed in a wing shape as shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, but in the second embodiment, the antiferromagnetic film 18 and the soft magnetic film 19 are formed. Since the patterning is performed so as to be the same as the outer shape of the electrode base film 20 and the electrode film 21, the process is simplified to the extent that wing-shaped patterning is unnecessary.
【００１９】[0019]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明のＭＲヘッド
は、ＭＲ素子膜および横バイアス膜の双方に、縦バイア
スを発生させることにより、双方の膜の単一ドメイン化
をはかることができ、バルクハウゼンノイズの発生を低
減し、再生特性を改善したＭＲヘッドを提供できるとい
う効果がある。As described above, in the MR head of the present invention, by generating a vertical bias in both the MR element film and the lateral bias film, it is possible to form a single domain in both films. This has the effect of reducing the generation of Barkhausen noise and providing an MR head with improved reproduction characteristics.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例のＭＲ素子部を示す平面
図である。FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an MR element section according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１のＡ−Ａ′線断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG.
【図３】本発明の第２の実施例のＭＲ素子部を示す断面
図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an MR element section according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】従来の磁気抵抗効果ヘッドの一例を示すＭＲ素
子部の断面図である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an MR element showing an example of a conventional magnetoresistive head.
１ 中心能動領域 ２ 受動領域 ３，１３，２３ ＭＲ素子下地絶縁膜 ４，１４，２４ 横バイアス膜 ５，１５，２５ 中間層金属膜 ６，１６，２６ ＭＲ素子膜 ７，１７ 絶縁膜 ８，１８ 反強磁性膜 ９，１９ 軟磁性膜 １０，２０ 電極下地膜 １１，２１，２７ 電極膜 １２ 横バイアス膜の外形 ２２ 交換結合膜 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central active area 2 Passive area 3,13,23 MR element base insulating film 4,14,24 Lateral bias film 5,15,25 Intermediate metal film 6,16,26 MR element film 7,17 Insulating film 8,18 Antiferromagnetic film 9, 19 Soft magnetic film 10, 20 Electrode underlayer 11, 21, 27 Electrode film 12 Lateral bias film outline 22 Exchange coupling film
Claims (2)
と、その両側に隣接して形成された２つの受動領域とか
らなり、前記中心能動領域が少なくとも軟磁性膜からな
る横バイアス膜，中間層金属膜，磁気抵抗効果素子膜の
３層が連続的に形成されたものから成る磁気抵抗効果ヘ
ッドにおいて、 前記磁気抵抗効果素子膜および前記中間層金属膜は前記
中心能動領域のみに形成され、かつ前記横バイアス膜は
前記中心能動領域の全域と前記２つの受動領域の一部と
に形成され、さらに前記受動領域の横バイアス膜上に順
次形成した反強磁性膜，軟磁性膜，下地膜，電極膜を備
え、前記反強磁性膜が前記受動領域の軟磁性膜および横
バイアス膜と交換結合することにより、前記磁気抵抗効
果素子および前記横バイアス膜の双方に縦バイアスを発
生させるようにしたことを特徴とする磁気抵抗効果ヘッ
ド。1. A lateral bias film comprising a central active region having a predetermined length and width and two passive regions formed adjacent to both sides thereof, wherein the central active region comprises at least a soft magnetic film. A magnetoresistive head comprising three layers of a layer metal film and a magnetoresistive element film formed successively, wherein the magnetoresistive element film and the intermediate metal film are formed only in the central active region; In addition, the lateral bias film is formed over the entire area of the central active region and a part of the two passive regions. Further, an antiferromagnetic film, a soft magnetic film, and a base film are sequentially formed on the lateral bias film of the passive region. And an electrode film, and the antiferromagnetic film exchange-couples with the soft magnetic film and the lateral bias film in the passive region, thereby generating a longitudinal bias in both the magnetoresistive element and the lateral bias film. Magnetoresistive head being characterized in that the so that.
の受動領域の全域であることを特徴とする請求項１記載
の磁気抵抗効果ヘッド。2. The magnetoresistive head according to claim 1, wherein a part of the two passive regions is an entire region of the two passive regions.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7162539A JP2806305B2 (en) | 1995-06-28 | 1995-06-28 | Magnetoresistive head |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7162539A JP2806305B2 (en) | 1995-06-28 | 1995-06-28 | Magnetoresistive head |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0916913A JPH0916913A (en) | 1997-01-17 |
| JP2806305B2 true JP2806305B2 (en) | 1998-09-30 |
Family
ID=15756539
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7162539A Expired - Fee Related JP2806305B2 (en) | 1995-06-28 | 1995-06-28 | Magnetoresistive head |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2806305B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20030017120A (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2003-03-03 | 송오성 | Tmr devices with a insulating layer of tantalum oxide |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH08329422A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1996-12-13 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Magnetoresistance effect head and its production |
-
1995
- 1995-06-28 JP JP7162539A patent/JP2806305B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0916913A (en) | 1997-01-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01 Effective date: 19980623 |
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| LAPS | Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees |