US 2004/0201928 A1 · Use of gold leads in lead overlaid type of GMR sensor

Abstract

A magnetic head including a lead overlaid read head component in which the electrical current passing through the overlaid passive regions of the sensor layers is reduced. The parts of the electrical leads that overlay the sensor layers are comprised of gold. The exceptional electrical conductivity of gold allows most sensor electrical current to flow through the overlaid leads and significantly reduces the amount of sensor electrical current that passes through the overlaid sensor layers. The operational characteristics of the read head are improved because the overlaid passive regions of the sensor layers do not contribute to the sensor signal. Noise and side reading effects are thereby reduced. In alternative embodiments of the present invention of gold is also used to overlay portions of the electrical leads that are away from the overlaid portions. This further reduces the sensor electrical current that passes through the overlaid sensor layers.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A magnetic head, comprising:

a plurality of sensor layers;
an electrical lead structure being disposed in electrical contact with said sensor layers, such that sensor electrical current flows through said electrical lead structure and through said sensor layers;
said electrical lead structure including an inner lead portion that is overlaid upon outer portions of said sensor layers, and an outer lead portion that is disposed in electrical contact with said inner lead portions;
and
wherein said inner lead portion is comprised of gold.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Use of gold leads in lead overlaid type of GMR sensor

Life of this patent

Use of gold leads in lead overlaid type of GMR sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22