Headway Technologies, Incorporated

Otto Vogeli

Min Li

Tai Min

Pokang Wang

A CPP MTJ or GMR read sensor is provided in which the free layer is self-stabilized by a magnetization in a circumferential vortex configuration. This magnetization permits the pinned layer to be magnetized in a direction parallel to the ABS plane, which thereby makes the pinned layer directionally more stable as well. The lack of lateral horizontal bias layers or in-stack biasing allows the formation of closely configured shields, thereby providing protection against side-reading. The vortex magnetization is accomplished by first magnetizing the free layer in a uniform vertical field, then applying a vertical current while the field is still present.

CPP magnetic recording head with self-stabilizing vortex configuration

A method is provided for forming a CPP MTJ or GMR read sensor in which the free layer is self-stabilized by a magnetization in a circumferential vortex configuration. This magnetization permits the pinned layer to be magnetized in a direction parallel to the ABS plane, which thereby makes the pinned layer directionally more stable as well. The lack of lateral horizontal bias layers or in-stack biasing allows the formation of closely configured shields, thereby providing protection against side-reading. The vortex magnetization is accomplished by first magnetizing the free layer in a uniform vertical field, then applying a vertical current while the field is still present.

Growing community of inventors

Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

Otto Vogeli