Exchange anisotropy for providing dual bias in magnetoresistive heads

The large bias field produced by exchange anisotropy at the interface of NiFe-TbCo thin films is considered for providing dual bias in magnetoresistive (MR) heads. Exchange-biased NiFe-TbCo MR heads that exhibit a linear response (applied field range: +or-50 Oe) and greatly reduced Barkhausen noise have been produced. Dual exchange bias is accomplished by directing a component of the exchange field along the longitudinal direction for domain stabilization and directing another component of exchange field along the transverse direction for linearization.>