Synthetic spin-valve device having high resistivity anti parallel coupling layer

A data storage and retrieval apparatus comprising:

• a) a magnetic recording media;
• b) a head assembly positioned adjacent the magnetic recording media comprising:
• (i) a write head;
• and
• (ii) a read head comprising:
• (1) a first layer capable of having a magnetic moment;
• (2) a pinning layer adjacent the first layer, the pinning layer having sufficient exchange field to pin the magnetic moment of the first layer;
• (3) a second layer capable of having a magnetic moment;
• (4) a high resistivity antiparallel coupling layer between the first and second layers for causing the magnetic moment of the second layer to align antiparallel to the first layer, the high resistivity antiparallel coupling layer comprising Rhenium;
• (5) a free layer capable of changing magnetic orientation in response to an externally applied magnetic field;
• (6) a spacer layer between the free layer and the second layer;
• and
• (7) at least one of the first and second layers comprising at least one of Co, Fe, or Ni;
• and
• c) a motor coupled to the media so as to move the media with respect to the head assembly.

A spin valve sensor comprising:

• a) a first layer capable of having a magnetic moment;
• b) a pinning layer adjacent the first layer, the pinning layer having sufficient exchange field to pin the magnetic moment of the first layer;
• c) a second layer capable of having a magnetic moment;
• d) an antiparallel coupling layer between the first and second layers for causing the magnetic moment of the second layer to align antiparallel to the first layer, the antiparallel coupling layer being thermally stable above 250 degrees Celsius;
• e) a free layer capable of changing magnetic orientation in response to an externally applied magnetic field;
• and
• f) a spacer layer between the free layer and the second layer.