Magnetoresistive head and magnetic recording-reproducing apparatus

A magnetoresistive head, comprising a first magnetic shield, a first insulating film, a first magnetoresistive film, a third insulating film, a second magnetoresistive film, a second insulating film and a second magnetic shield arranged in a track direction,

• each of the first and second magnetoresistive films comprising:
• a magnetization free layer formed in a region near an air-bearing surface, a magnetization direction thereof being rotatable with an external magnetic field;
• a magnetization pinned layer formed apart from the magnetization free layer in a height direction as viewed from the air-bearing surface, a magnetization direction thereof being substantially pinned under an external magnetic field;
• and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer connecting the magnetization free layer and the magnetization pinned layer.

A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive head, comprising;

• forming a ferromagnetic film on a first insulating film,
• forming first and second ferromagnetic portions from the ferromagnetic film through etching process, the first ferromagnetic portions being adjacent to an intended air-bearing surface, the second ferromagnetic portions being recessed in a height direction from the intended air-bearing surface;
• forming a nonmagnetic portion between the first and second ferromagnetic portions;
• and
• forming a second insulating film over the first and second ferromagnetic portions and the nonmagnetic portion.

A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive head, comprising;

• forming a ferromagnetic film on a nonmagnetic layer,
• forming first and second ferromagnetic portions from the ferromagnetic film by etching process, the first ferromagnetic portions being adjacent to an intended air-bearing surface, the second ferromagnetic portions being recessed in a height direction from the intended air-bearing surface;
• forming an insulating material between the first and second ferromagnetic portions;
• and
• forming a second insulating film over the first and second ferromagnetic portions and the insulating material.