Methods for initializing and/or resetting GMR heads by applying oppositely directed magnetic fields

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, the initialization for orienting the magnetized directions of the free layers of GMR heads (mounted on the diagonally shaded surface of sliders 14) by an external magnetic field is again executed also for the opposite direction, thereby to increase the yield of the GMR heads. Further, it is determined whether the magnetized direction of the pinned layer of GMR heads can be once reversed to the opposite direction, thereby to select damaged GMR heads at an early stage. Then, by performing a reset while performing a quasi-static test for seeing the read back response of the GMR head after restoring the magnetized direction of the pinned layer to a positive rotation, a safe and efficient reset is executed. The reset can be executed not only by applying only a pulse, but also while providing an external magnetic field in the pinning direction, or only by giving a high magnetic field. A tool 500 can be commonly used for the initialization, reset, or read back response through each process level. For the quasi-static test, coils 531, 532, and 533 are selectively used as Helmholz coils.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.