Magnetoresistance effect thin film head with interconnected electrode structure

A magnetoresistance-effect thin film head comprising:

• a substrate;
• an elongate magnetic field sensing element provided on the substrate;
• an electrode layer having portions respectively extending from first and second opposite ends of the magnetic field sensing element to supply a sensing current to the magnetic field sensing element so that the sense current will flow in the direction of a signal magnetic field;
• an insulating layer formed over the magnetic field sensing element;
• a bias magnetic field creating conductor formed on the insulating layer so as to extend across the magnetic field sensing element;
• and a magnetic shielding layer formed over the magnetic field sensing element;
• characterized in that the electrode layer consists of a laminated structure containing a principal conductive metal conductor and a moisture-resistant conductor, and
• a single portion of the electrode layer adjacent said first end of said sensing element is contiguous with the sliding surface and said single portion is formed only of the moisture-resistant conductor.