CPP magnetoresistive device and method for making same
AssigneeWestern Digital (Fremont), LLC
InventorsKenneth E. Knapp, Ronald A. Barr
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetoresistive device includes a metal layer, formed over a substrate, in which a groove is formed. A magnetoresistive element is formed in the groove, forming two magnetoresistive element portions that are separated by a conductive element. A sense current applied to the metal layer flows through the two magnetoresistive element portions with a predominant current-perpendicular-to-plane component. The method includes techniques that are less complex and less expensive than submicron photolithography to form the above described magnetoresistive device with submicron geometries.
Claims9
A method of fabricating a magnetoresistive device that is capable of reading data that is recorded on magnetic media, said method comprising:
- providing a substrate;
- forming a first conductive element on said substrate;
- forming a second conductive element on said substrate to form a main conductive layer along with said first conductive element, said first and second conductive elements being separated by a conductor separation gap;
- forming a groove in said main conductive layer substantially coincident with said conductor separation gap, defined by a first angled wall and a second angled wall of said first and second conductive elements, respectively;
- forming a magnetoresistive element within said groove and in electrical contact with said first and second conductive elements,
- forming a third conductive element within said element gap, such that when an electrical current is passed through said main conductive layer, said electrical current passes through said third conductive element and through said magnetoresistive element with a current-perpendicular-to-plane component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.