Floating Magnetic Shield in Magnetoresistive Read Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic data recording technologies face challenges in achieving high signal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio due to limitations in magnetic permeability and effective read gap in magnetic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design incorporating a novel capping layer with a high magnetic permeability magnetic layer between non-magnetic layers, acting as a floating magnetic shield to reduce the effective read gap and improve signal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional magnetic sensor structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the signal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic layer is nested within the capping layer structure, which itself is part of the magnetic sensor stack. This nested configuration allows the magnetic layer to function as a floating shield without requiring separate external components, thereby improving signal resolution while minimizing additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The capping layer is constructed as a composite structure with a magnetic layer sandwiched between two nonmagnetic layers. This composite material approach enables the capping layer to provide both magnetic shielding functionality and structural integration, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic layer is formed in the same deposition and patterning processes as the magnetic free layer, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The formation of the magnetic layer is merged with the existing deposition and patterning processes used for the magnetic free layer. By combining these operations into a single integrated process flow, the patent achieves precise read gap control through self-alignment while avoiding the need for separate fabrication steps, thus maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic layer serves itself as a floating shield that automatically positions itself relative to the magnetic free layer through the shared deposition and patterning processes. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for additional alignment procedures or complex positioning mechanisms, achieving high manufacturing precision without significantly increasing fabrication complexity
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
The solution enhances signal amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio, leading to improved bit error rate and performance at high recording densities by forming the magnetic layer in the same deposition and patterning processes as the magnetic free layer, ensuring high permeability and precise control over the read gap.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic layer of the capping layer structure acts as a floating magnetic shield that is not physically connected with the trailing magnetic shield
Implementation Method 2
it can advantageously be formed to have substantially the same shape as the free layer and to have a very high magnetic permeability, similar to that of the magnetic free layer
Implementation Method 3
A magnetoresistive sensor such as a Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor
Implementation Method 4
or a Tunnel Junction Magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic read element having an additional magnetic layer, “a floating magnetic shield”, formed as a part of a capping structure of a magnetoresistive element. The capping structure is formed over the magnetic free layer and includes a magnetic layer that is located between first and second non-magnetic layers. The magnetic layer can advantageously be formed with a high magnetic permeability for increased signal amplitude and increased signal resolution. In addition, because the magnetic layer of the capping layer structure acts as a magnetic shield, it can reduce effective magnetic gap spacing for increased signal resolution.