Abstract: A magnetic head includes a reproducing head comprising a leading magnetic shield film, an insulator, a magnetoresistance film, an insulator, and a trailing magnetic shield film formed on a substrate from the substrate to a trailing direction. The leading magnetic shield film is made of a soft magnetic thin film having an atomic ratio composition of the formula: T.sub.(100-x-y) M.sub.x N.sub.y wherein T is Fe, Co, Ni or a mixture thereof, M is B, Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta, W or a mixture thereof, N is nitrogen, 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.25 and 0.1.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.25 or a soft magnetic thin film consisting essentially of 60 to 80 at % of Fe, 5 to 15 at % of Al, 10 to 25 at % of Si, and 0.1 to 20 at % of N. The magnetic head having such a shielded MR head is more durable and increased in productivity and yield.

Abstract: The thin film of the invention for use in a magnetic head has an atomic ratio composition of the formula:(Fe.sub.100-z Ni.sub.z).sub.100-x-y M.sub.x N.sub.ywherein M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, and B, 6.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.14, 6.2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.15, 0.6.ltoreq.y/x.ltoreq.2.0, and 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.10, and has a relative intensity ratio of Fe (200) peak to Fe (110) peak in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of at least 1 and high Fe (100) orientation, with a film surface oriented in (200) plane. Heat treatment improves the (100) orientation. The thin film has very high heat resistance of remaining stable at 700.degree. C. or higher and excellent soft magnetic properties in that it has a high saturation magnetic flux density Bs, a low coercive force, a high magnetic permeability, and minimized magnetostriction. It is hard enough.

Abstract: The soft magnetic thin film of the invention has an atomic ratio composition of the formula:[(Fe.sub.1-y Ni.sub.y).sub.1-x M.sub.x ].sub.1-z N.sub.zwherein M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, and B, 0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.15, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.1, and 0.001.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.15, and has a relative intensity ratio of Fe (200) peak to Fe (110) peak in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of at least 1/3 and high Fe (100) orientation. It has excellent soft magnetic properties in that it has a high saturation magnetic flux density Bs, heat resistance, a low coercive force Hc, and a high magnetic permeability .mu.. A magnetic head using such a thin film has improved otherwise properties, recording/reproducing sensitivity, and electromagnetic properties, and is highly reliable.

Abstract: The soft magnetic thin film of the invention has an atomic ratio composition of the formula:[(Fe.sub.1-y Ni.sub.y).sub.1-x M.sub.x ].sub.1-z Nzwherein M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, and B, 0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.15, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.1, and 0.001.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.15, and has a relative intensity ratio of Fe (200) peak to Fe (110) peak in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of at least 1/3 and high Fe (100) orientation. It has excellent soft magnetic properties in that it has a high saturation magnetic flux density Bs, heat resistance, a low coercive force Hc, and a high magnetic permeability .mu.. A magnetic head using such a thin film has improved overwrite properties, recording/reproducing sensitivity, and electromagnetic properties, and is highly reliable.