Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having magnetic field applying unit applying a magnetic field to a magnetoresistive element to correct a misaligned magnetization direction of the magnetoresistive element. The magnetic field applying unit can be used to correct a misaligned magnetization direction of a free layer of a giant magnetoresistive element. A magnetic field applying unit controller controls the magnetic field applying unit to adjust a magnetization direction and intensity of a magnetic field of the giant magnetoresistive element. The magnetic field applying unit controller can control the magnetic field applying unit to apply a magnetic field only during a data reading time, and to increase the intensity of the application magnetic field during a data re-reading time. The magnetic field applying unit is mounted, corresponding to a head on a suspension that supports a head slider, on a surface of the suspension opposite to the surface on which the head is mounted.

Abstract: A magnetic head has an upper magnetic pole layer, a lower magnetic pole layer, and a gap layer between the upper magnetic pole layer and the lower magnetic pole layer, with data being recorded by magnetizing the surface of a recording medium with magnetic field leaking from the gap layer. The gap length of the left and right sides of the gap layer in the width direction are formed non-symmetrically.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having magnetic field applying unit applying a magnetic field to a magnetoresistive element to correct a misaligned magnetization direction of the magnetoresistive element. The magnetic field applying unit can be used to correct a misaligned magnetization direction of a free layer of a giant magnetoresistive element. A magnetic field applying unit controller controls the magnetic field applying unit to adjust a magnetization direction and intensity of a magnetic field of the giant magnetoresistive element. The magnetic field applying unit controller can control the magnetic field applying unit to apply a magnetic field only during a data reading time, and to increase the intensity of the application magnetic field during a data re-reading time. The magnetic field applying unit is mounted, corresponding to a head on a suspension that supports a head slider, on a surface of the suspension opposite to the surface on which the head is mounted.

Abstract: A first resistance value of an electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on an examination current of a first current value. A second resistance value of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the examination current of a second current value different from the first current value. A quantity of variation in temperature is derived based on the first and second resistance values. An expected lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the derived quantity of variation in temperature. A current value for a sensing current to be supplied to the electromagnetic transducer is determined based on the calculated expected lifetime. It is possible to reliably set the maximum current value for the sensing current without suffering from deterioration or a shortened lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer resulting from a fracturing or destructive phenomenon such as a migration.

Abstract: A first resistance value of an electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on an examination current of a first current value. A second resistance value of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the examination current of a second current value different from the first current value. A quantity of variation in temperature is derived based on the first and second resistance values. An expected lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the derived quantity of variation in temperature. A current value for a sensing current to be supplied to the electromagnetic transducer is determined based on the calculated expected lifetime. It is possible to reliably set the maximum current value for the sensing current without suffering from deterioration or a shortened lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer resulting from a fracturing or destructive phenomenon such as a migration.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a spin-valve head element having a spin-valve element and a plurality of layers and electrodes connected to each end of the spin-valve head element, respectively. The spin-valve head element has a structure such that a height of at least one of the plurality of layers is higher than a height of the spin-valve element. Also, the spin-valve head element may have a structure such that a height of at least one of the plurality of layers at both end portions in a core-width direction is higher than the height of the spin-valve element.