CPP Magnetoresistance Element Dual Bias Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic field detecting elements with two free layers face challenges in applying a sufficient bias magnetic field effectively, leading to limited linear change in resistance and increased Barkhausen noise due to the arrangement of bias magnetic layers.

Innovation Solution

The magnetic field detecting element incorporates a pair of bias magnetic layers on both sides of the free layers, with exchange coupling transmitting layers having different coupling strengths, allowing for effective application of a bias magnetic field and enhancing linear change in resistance while limiting Barkhausen noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single bias magnetic layer is provided on the back side of the free layers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bias magnetic field cannot be applied effectively leading to limited linear change in resistance and increased Barkhausen noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidlinear change in resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single bias magnetic layer on the back side is segmented into two separate bias magnetic layers positioned on opposite sides of the free layers. This segmentation allows each layer to independently contribute to the bias magnetic field, achieving effective field application while maintaining structural simplicity through symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bias magnetic field application is transitioned from a single-sided (one-dimensional) approach to a dual-sided (two-dimensional) symmetric arrangement. This dimensional change enables the magnetic fields from both bias layers to combine effectively, overcoming the limitation of single-layer field application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single bias magnetic layer is provided on the back side of the free layers, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but Barkhausen noise is increased due to insufficient bias magnetic field application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidBarkhausen noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bias magnetic field generation function is segmented from a single back-side layer to two symmetrically positioned layers. This segmentation enables effective magnetic field application across the free layers, suppressing Barkhausen noise while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through symmetric process design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration parameter of the bias magnetic layer is changed from single-sided to dual-sided symmetric arrangement. This parameter change optimizes the magnetic field distribution, ensuring effective bias field application that reduces Barkhausen noise without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional synthetic pinned layers and antiferromagnetic layers are used, then the magnetization direction can be fixed, but the film configuration becomes complex and the shield gap cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization direction stabilityVSAvoidfilm configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antiferromagnetic layer and synthetic pinned layer structure are extracted and removed from the design. Instead, a simplified single pinned layer configuration is used, which achieves the required magnetization stability through alternative means, thereby reducing overall film configuration complexity and enabling shield gap reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional capability of the conventional synthetic pinned layer system is copied and replicated using a simpler single pinned layer design. This functional copying achieves the same magnetization stability outcome with reduced structural complexity, eliminating the need for multiple coupled layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enables a significant change in magnetoresistance in response to external magnetic fields, improving linear recording density and reducing noise, without the need for synthetic pinned layers or antiferromagnetic layers.

Implementation Method 1

the two free layers are exchange-coupled with each other due to the RKKY (Rudermann, Kittel, Kasuya, Yoshida) interaction that occurs via the non-magnetic spacer layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRKKY interaction:

Implementation Method 2

bias magnetic layers for applying a bias magnetic field to the free layer are provided. The free layer is magnetized into a single magnetic domain by a bias magnetic field that is emitted from the bias magnetic layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field application: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The relative angle formed between the magnetization direction of the free layer and the magnetization direction of the pinned layer changes in accordance with an external magnetic field, and as a result, electric resistance of sense current that flows in a direction that is perpendicular to the film surface of the stack is changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGiant magneto-resistance effect: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS8098464B2CPP-type magneto resistance element having a pair of free layers and spacer layer sandwiched therebetween
Publication Date: 2012.01.17 TDK CORP
  • US8098464B2 patent drawing
  • US8098464B2 patent drawing
  • US8098464B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A magnetic field detecting element includes: first and second free layers; a spacer layer; a first exchange coupling transmitting layer; a first pinned layer; a second exchange coupling transmitting layer; and a second pinned layer. The first and second pinned layers are magnetized in directions which are perpendicular to an air bearing surface and which are anti-parallel with each other, respectively. The first exchange coupling transmitting layer or second exchange coupling transmitting layer has a positive exchange coupling strength, while the other has a negative exchange coupling strength. The first or second pinned layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength has a larger magnetic film thickness than the first or second free layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength.