Read-write head

A read-write head comprising an inductive write element for magnetically writing information in a medium;

• and a magnetoresistive read element for reading said written information by detecting a change in an electric signal produced by a change in a magnetic field leaking from the medium;
• said inductive write element and said magnetoresistive read element being formed on a single substrate;
• said inductive write element comprising a coil for generating a magnetic flux;
• a pair of magnetic cores for collecting said flux;
• and a write gap for generating a magnetic field, said write gap being arranged between said pair of magnetic cores;
• said magnetoresistive read element comprising a pair of shields formed of soft magnetic films;
• a magnetoresistive film arranged between said pair of shields;
• and a pair of leads electrically connected to said magnetoresistive film;
• wherein at least one of said pair of shields comprises a soft magnetic film having a magnitude of anisotropy field of 5 to 30 Oe and without an anti-ferromagnetic film therein;
• and
• wherein at least one of said pair of shields has an alloy selected from the group consisting of an alloy containing Ni of 80 to 90%, Fe of 10 to 20% and Co of 1 to 25% on the atomic ratio basis as base components;
• an alloy containing Co of 90 to 95%, Fe of 15 to 10% and Ni of 1 to 30% on the atomic ratio basis as base components;
• and an alloy containing Co of 30 to 70%, Ni of 10 to 40%, Fe of 5 to 25% and Pd of 5 to 20% on the atomic ratio basis as base components.