Magnetoresistance effect type thin film magnetic head using high coercion films

A magnetoresistance effect type thin film magnetic head comprising:

• a magnetoresistive element including a metal ferromagnetic thin film having a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, and having an electrical resistance changed according to a change in an applied signal magnetic field, said magnetoresistive element having an upper surface;
• a lead electrode means for conducting a sense current flow across the longitudinal ends of said magnetoresistive element for detecting a voltage change generated across said ends;
• and
• high coercive force films, magnetized in the longitudinal direction of said magnetoresistive element, for carrying out unification of magnetic domain in said magnetoresistive element by applying a weak magnetic field to said magnetoresistive element;
• wherein said high coercive force films are provided at said ends of said magnetoresistive element and at one or more predetermined positions between said ends, in direct contact with the upper surface of said magnetoresistive element and spaced along said magnetoresistive element in the longitudinal direction thereof,
• wherein a bias electrode is provided for applying a bias magnetic field to said magnetoresistive element,
• and wherein said thin film magnetic head further comprises a yoke forming a magnetic circuit for conducting a magnetic flux generated from a magnetic recording medium to said magnetoresistive element, said yoke being divided in the longitudinal direction of said magnetoresistive element so that a divided portion of said yoke is located at a region sandwiched between two adjacent high coercive force films, and divided portions of said yoke lie spaced along the longitudinal direction of said magnetoresistive element.