Methods and apparatus for improved read sensors of the CPP type using a multi-layered seed layer structure having a nitrogenated nickel-tantalum layer
AssigneeHitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
InventorMustafa Pinarbasi
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Abstract
A magnetic head with improved hard magnet properties includes a sensor stack structure of current-perpendicular-to-the-planes (CPP) type formed in a central region between first and second shield layers, and a multi-layered seed layer structure formed in side regions adjacent the central region. The multi-layered structure has a first layer including nitrogenated nickel-tantalum (NiTa+N) and a second layer including chromium-molybdenum (CrMo), which are formed over an insulator in the side regions. A hard bias layer formed over the multi-layered structure is preferably a cobalt-based alloy. Methods of making the magnetic head are also described.
Claims35
A magnetic head, comprising:
- a sensor stack structure of a read sensor formed in a central region between first and the second shield layers which serve as leads for the read sensor;
- a multi-layered structure comprising:
- an insulator layer formed in side regions adjacent the central region;
- a layer comprising nitrogenated nickel-tantalum (NiTa+N) formed over the insulator layer;
- and
- a layer comprising chromium (Cr) formed over the layer comprising NiTa+N.
A hard disk drive, comprising:
- at least one rotatable magnetic disk;
- a spindle supporting the at least one rotatable magnetic disk;
- a disk drive motor for rotating the at least one rotatable magnetic disk;
- a magnetic head for reading data from the at least one rotatable magnetic disk;
- a slider for supporting the magnetic head;
- the magnetic head, comprising:
- a sensor stack structure of a read sensor formed in a central region between first and second shield layers which serves as leads for the read sensor;
- a multi-layered structure formed in side regions adjacent the central region;
- the multi-layered structure comprising:
- an insulator layer;
- a layer comprising nitrogenated nickel-tantalum (NiTa+N) formed over the insulator layer;
- and
- a layer comprising chromium (Cr) formed over the layer comprising NiTa+N.
A method for use in forming a magnetic head, comprising:
- forming a sensor stack structure of a read sensor in a central region over and in electrical contact with a first shield layer;
- forming a multi-layered structure in side regions adjacent the central region;
- the step of forming the multi-layered structure comprising:
- forming an insulator layer in the side regions adjacent the central region;
- forming a layer comprising nitrogenated nickel-tantalum (NiTa+N) over the insulator layer;
- and
- depositing a layer comprising chromium (Cr) over the layer comprising NiTa+N.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.