Spin-valve head containing closed-flux-structure domain control films

A magnetic head, comprising:

• a spin-valve type magnetoresistive element in which a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, a soft magnetic free layer, a non-magnetic separating layer and a single magnetic domain turning ferromagnetic layer are laminated in the order and are formed in substantially the same track width corresponding to predetermined magnetic field sensing width, wherein:
• no ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic coupling is substantially produced between the soft magnetic free layer and the single magnetic domain turning ferromagnetic layer via the non-magnetic separating layer, the magnetization of the single magnetic domain turning ferromagnetic layer and the magnetization of the soft magnetic free layer are magnetostatically coupled at the end of track width and a closed magnetic circuit is formed;
• the soft magnetic free layer is turned a single magnetic domain so that it has magnetization substantially induced in a direction substantially perpendicular to an external magnetic field;
• and
• a direction of the magnetization of the ferromagnetic induced layer is substantially pinned for an external magnetic field, the magnetization of the soft magnetic free layer is turned according to an external magnetic field, a relative angle between the magnetization of the soft magnetic free layer and the magnetization of the ferromagnetic pinned layer varies, magnetoresistive change is generated in the magnetoresistive element and is detected by a pair of electrodes.