Dual element magnetoresistive read head with integral element stabilization

A magnetoresistive read head assembly for sensing information recorded on a magnetic tape surface comprising:

• a first insulator layer normal to the tape surface and normal to a direction of tape travel past the first insulator layer;
• a first active magnetoresistive layer on the first insulator layer;
• a second insulator layer on the first active magnetoresistive layer;
• a second active magnetoresistive layer on the second insulator layer, the second active magnetoresistive layer magnetostatically coupled to the first active magnetoresistive layer;
• a third insulator layer on the second active magnetoresistive layer;
• means for supplying current through the first active magnetoresistive layer and the second active magnetoresistive layer;
• and
• means for detecting the relative change in resistance between the first active magnetoresistive layer and the second active magnetoresistive layer due to changing magnetic fields produced by the moving magnetic tape;
• wherein at least one insulator layer is comprised of an electrically nonconductive antiferromagnetic material.