Apparatus and method for step-stabilization of GMR-based read sensors

A magnetoresistive sensor, comprising:

• a plurality of sensor stack layers, wherein the plurality of sensor stack layers includes at least a pinned magnetic layer and a free layer;
• and at least one stabilizer depression formed in one sensor stack layer within the plurality of sensor stack layers, wherein the at least one stabilizer depression is located at least in the free magnetic layer and imparts a restorative force on a magnetic field of the free layer of the magnetoresistive sensor to align the magnetic field with a bias direction;
• wherein the magnetoresistive sensor is a bottom spin valve sensor, wherein the magnetic field of the free layer aligned with the bias direction is longitudinally oriented parallel to the plane of the magnetoresistive sensor and each of the at least one stabilizer depressions consists of two edges elevated above a depressed center portion, wherein the edges run parallel to the direction of magnetization of said free layer and perpendicular to the surface of a magnetic media when the magnetic media is read by the magnetoresistive sensor.

A method of providing a magnetoresistive sensor, comprising:

• providing at least one stabilizer depression formed in one sensor stack layer within a plurality of sensor stack layers, wherein the plurality of sensor stack layers includes at least a pinned magnetic layer and a free layer wherein the at least one stabilizer depression is located at least in the free magnetic layer and imparts a restorative force on a magnetic field of the free layer of the magnetoresistive sensor to align the magnetic field with a bias direction, wherein the magnetic field of the free layer aligned with the bias direction is longitudinally oriented parallel to the plane of the magnetoresistive sensor and each of the at least one stabilizer depressions consists of two edges elevated above a depressed center portion, wherein the edges run parallel to the direction of magnetization of said free layer and perpendicular to the surface of a magnetic media when the magnetic media is read by the magnetoresistive sensor.