Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to magnetic devices, and more particularly to magnetic memory and/or logic devices. In an aspect, a spintronic device comprises a tunnel barrier, a storage layer provided on the tunnel barrier, and a seed layer provided on the storage layer. The storage layer includes a first magnetic layer having a first crystallographic orientation provided on the tunnel barrier, a spacer layer provided on the first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer having a second crystallographic orientation provided on the spacer layer and exchange coupled to the first magnetic layer, an antiferromagnetic coupling layer provided on the second magnetic layer, and a third magnetic layer having the second crystallographic orientation provided on the antiferromagnetic coupling layer and antiferromagnetically coupled to the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetoresistance effect element that suppresses re-adhesion of impurities during preparation and allows a write current to easily flow. The magnetoresistance effect element includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer; and a nonmagnetic layer interposed between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer. In the magnetoresistance effect element, the nonmagnetic layer is a tunnel barrier layer constituted by an insulator, a side surface of the first ferromagnetic layer, a side surface of the second ferromagnetic layer and a side surface of the nonmagnetic layer form a continuous inclined surface in any side surface, and a thickness of inside the nonmagnetic layer is thicker than a thickness of outside the nonmagnetic layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device comprises a fixed magnetic region positioned on or over a first electrically conductive region, an intermediate layer positioned on or over the fixed magnetic region, a free magnetic region positioned on or over the intermediate layer, and a metal insertion substance positioned in contact with the free magnetic region, wherein the metal insertion substance includes one or more transition metal elements.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect element of the present disclosure includes a first Ru alloy layer, a first ferromagnetic layer, a non-magnetic metal layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer in order, wherein the first Ru alloy layer contains one or more Ru alloys represented by the following general formula (1), Ru?X1-???(1) where, in the general formula (1), the symbol X represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Be, B, Ti, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, In, Sn, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Ta, W, Re, Os, and Ir, and the symbol ? represents a number satisfying 0.5<?<1, the first ferromagnetic layer contains a Heusler alloy, and the second ferromagnetic layer contains a Heusler alloy.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect element includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, a nonmagnetic layer that is disposed between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer, and an insertion layer that is disposed at least one of a position between the first ferromagnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer and a position between the second ferromagnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer, in which the nonmagnetic layer is composed of an oxide containing Mg and Ga, and the insertion layer is a ferromagnetic component containing Ga.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a magnetoresistive sensor element with synthetic antiferromagnetic biasing structure separated, by a non-magnetic tuning spacer, from a free ferromagnetic layer of a TMR/GMR sensor. The synthetic antiferromagnetic biasing structure includes first and second ferromagnetic layers separated from one another by a synthetic antiferromagnetic spacer. The synthetic antiferromagnetic biasing structure is biased during manufacture and pinned via exchange coupling with an adjacent antiferromagnetic layer. The synthetic antiferromagnetic biasing structure biases the free ferromagnetic layer via tuned exchanged coupling via relative proximity controlled by thickness of the non-magnetic tuning spacer.

Abstract: Structures including a magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stack and methods of forming such structures. The structure comprises a magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stack including a reference layer, an antiferromagnetic layer, a free layer positioned between the reference layer and the antiferromagnetic layer, and a tunnel barrier layer positioned between the reference layer and the free layer. The antiferromagnetic layer has a static magnetic field with a magnetization, and the antiferromagnetic layer is antiferromagnetically coupled to the free layer.

Abstract: A method for generating a closed flux magnetization pattern of a predetermined rotational direction in a magnetic reference layer of a magnetic layer stack is provided. The method includes applying an external magnetic field in a predetermined direction to the magnetic layer stack causing magnetic saturation of the magnetic reference layer and of a pinned layer of the magnetic layer stack; and reducing the external magnetic field to form a first closed flux magnetization pattern in the magnetic reference layer and a second closed flux magnetization pattern in the pinned layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a perpendicular magnetic structure including a seed layer structure that includes a first seed layer comprising a metal element and oxygen, and a second seed layer formed on top of the first seed layer and comprising chromium. The metal element is one of titanium, tantalum, or magnesium. The perpendicular magnetic structure further includes a magnetic fixed layer structure formed on top of the seed layer structure and having an invariable magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to a layer plane of the magnetic fixed layer structure. The magnetic fixed layer structure includes layers of a magnetic material interleaved with layers of a transition metal. The magnetic material includes cobalt. The transition metal is one of nickel, platinum, palladium, or iridium.

Abstract: A magnetic measuring apparatus includes at least one magnetic sensor, a coil, a driving circuit configured to supply a current to the coil, a conductor electrically connecting the coil and the driving circuit, and a computing device which estimates relative positions of the magnetic sensor and the coil based on a magnetic field generated by the current supplied to the coil and detected by the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor has a magnetic detection sensitivity in a particular direction, and the particular direction of the magnetic sensor and a current vector of the current flowing through the conductor are parallel.

Abstract: A reservoir element of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first ferromagnetic layer; a plurality of second ferromagnetic layers positioned in a first direction with respect to the first ferromagnetic layer and spaced apart from each other in a plan view from the first direction; and a nonmagnetic layer positioned between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to magnetic storage devices, such as magnetic tape drives, comprising a read head. The read head comprises a plurality of read sensors disposed between a lower shield and an upper shield. A plurality of soft bias side shields are disposed adjacent to and outwardly of the plurality of read sensors in a cross-track direction. A plurality of hard bias side shields are disposed on and in contact with the soft bias side shields to stabilize the soft bias side shields. Each of the plurality of soft bias side shields are spaced a first distance from the lower shield and each of the hard bias side shields are spaced a second distance from the upper shield, the first distance being substantially equal to the second distance.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor device is disclosed that includes four or more TMR resistors. The TMR sensor device comprises a first TMR resistor comprising a first TMR film, a second TMR resistor comprising a second TMR film different than the first TMR film, a third TMR resistor comprising the second TMR film, and a fourth TMR resistor comprising the first TMR film. The first, second, third, and fourth TMR resistors are disposed in the same plane. The first TMR film comprises a synthetic anti-ferromagnetic pinned layer having a magnetization direction of the reference layer orthogonal to a free layer. The second TMR film comprises a double synthetic anti-ferromagnetic pinned layer having a magnetization direction of the reference layer orthogonal to the magnetization of a free layer, but opposite to the magnetization direction of the reference layer of the first TMR film.

Abstract: An elastic body of this disclosure contains magnetized magnetic powder dispersed in an elastic member, and generates an induced current in a circuit by undergoing an elastic deformation to cause a change in magnetic flux density. The elastic member is an elastomeric foam.

Abstract: A tunnel magnetoresistance effect (TMR) device includes an exchange coupling film having a first ferromagnetic layer, which is at least a portion of a fixed magnetic layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer laminated on the first ferromagnetic layer. The ferromagnetic layer includes an X(Cr—Mn) layer containing one or two or more elements X selected from the group consisting of the platinum group elements and Ni, and also containing Mn and Cr. The X(Cr—Mn) layer has a first region relatively near the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second region relatively far away from the first ferromagnetic layer, and the content of Mn in the first region is higher than that in the second region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to read head apparatus, and methods of forming read head apparatus, for magnetic storage devices, such as magnetic tape drives (e.g., tape drives). In one implementation, a read head for magnetic storage devices includes a lower shield, one or more upper shields, one or more lower leads, and a plurality of upper leads. The read head includes a plurality of read sensors, each read sensor of the plurality of read sensors including a first antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. The read head includes a plurality of soft bias side shields disposed between and outwardly of the plurality of read sensors. The read head includes one or more second AFM layers disposed above the first AFM layer and the plurality of soft bias side shields along a downtrack direction.

Abstract: An exchange-coupling film having a large magnetic field (Hex) at which the magnetization direction of a pinned magnetic layer is reversed, thus exhibiting high stability under high-temperature conditions, and having excellent high-magnetic-field resistance includes an antiferromagnetic layer and a pinned magnetic layer in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer has an alternating multilayer structure of three or more layers, the layers including alternately stacked X1Cr and X2Mn layers, where X1 represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of platinum group elements and Ni, and X2 represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of platinum group elements and Ni and may be the same as or different from X1.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor device is disclosed that includes one or more TMR resistors. The TMR sensor device comprises a first TMR resistor comprising a first TMR film, a second TMR resistor comprising a second TMR film different than the first TMR film, a third TMR resistor comprising the second TMR film, and a fourth TMR resistor comprising the first TMR film. The first and fourth TMR resistors are disposed in a first plane while the second and third TMR resistors are disposed in a second plane different than the first plane. The first TMR film comprises a synthetic anti-ferromagnetic pinned layer having a magnetization direction of a reference layer orthogonal to a magnetization direction a free layer. The second TMR film comprises a double synthetic anti-ferromagnetic pinned layer having a magnetization direction of a reference layer orthogonal to a magnetization direction of a free layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to magnetic recording heads of magnetic recording devices. A magnetic read head includes a first pinning layer magnetically oriented in a first direction, and a second pinning layer formed above the first pinning layer and magnetically oriented in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic read head includes a rear hard bias disposed outwardly of one or more of the first pinning layer relative or the second pinning layer. The rear hard bias is magnetically oriented to generate a magnetic field in a bias direction. The bias direction points in the same direction as the first direction or the second direction. The magnetic read head does not include an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer between a lower shield and an upper shield.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic laminated film includes a plurality of first magnetic layers, at least one second magnetic layer, and at least one first non-magnetic layer, in which the first magnetic layers are alternately laminated with the second magnetic layer or the first non-magnetic layer, and a material forming the first magnetic layers is different from a material forming the second magnetic layer, and the first magnetic layers, the first non-magnetic layer, and the second magnetic layer are a material combination in which interface magnetic anisotropy is generated between the first magnetic layer and the first non-magnetic layer, and a material combination in which interface magnetic anisotropy is generated between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a read sensor having a trilayer synthetic ferrimagnet free layer and at least one side shield positioned proximate to the trilayer synthetic ferrimagnet free layer. The at least one side shield provides a bias magnetic field in a first direction to bias the trilayer synthetic ferrimagnet free layer.

Abstract: A stress sensor includes a stress detection layer including a laminated body including a first magnetic layer, a first non-magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer that are laminated, wherein the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer have mutually different magnetoelastic coupling constants, such that a stress is detected by an electrical resistance dependent on a relative angle of magnetization between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer varying depending on the stress externally applied.

Abstract: A magnetic-field-applying bias film exhibiting resistance to a high magnetic field has an exchange-coupled film including a permanent magnet layer and an antiferromagnetic layer stacked on the permanent magnet layer. The antiferromagnetic layer includes an X(Cr—Mn) layer containing Cr, Mn, and one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of platinum-group elements and Ni. The X(Cr—Mn) layer has a first region relatively near to the permanent magnet layer and a second region relatively distant from the permanent magnet layer. Mn content in the first region is higher than Mn content in the second region.

Abstract: A magnetic-field-applying bias film having strong-magnetic-field resistance includes an exchange coupling film. The exchange coupling film includes a ferromagnetic layer and an antiferromagnetic layer stacked on the ferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer includes an X(Cr—Mn) layer containing Mn, Cr, and one or more elements X selected from the group consisting of platinum-group elements and Ni. The X(Cr—Mn) layer has a first region relatively close to the ferromagnetic layer and a second region relatively far from the ferromagnetic layer. The Mn content in the first region is higher than the Mn content in the second region.

Abstract: A method includes depositing a copper layer over a first substrate, annealing the copper layer, depositing a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) film on the copper layer, and removing the hBN film from the copper layer. The hBN film may be transferred to a second substrate.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction is disclosed wherein first and second interfaces of a free layer (FL) with a first metal oxide (Hk enhancing layer) and second metal oxide (tunnel barrier), respectively, produce perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) to provide thermal stability to 400° C. Insertion of an oxidation control layer (OCL) such as Mg and a magnetic moment tuning layer (MMTL) like Mo or W enables FL thickness to be reduced below 10 Angstroms while providing sufficient PMA for a switching voltage substantially less than 500 mV at a 10 ns pulse width and 1 ppm defect rate. Magnetoresistive ratio is ?1, and resistance×area (RA) product is below 5 ohm-?m2. Embodiments are provided where MMTL and OCL materials interface with each other, or do not contact each other. Each of the MMTL and OCL materials may be deposited separately, or at least one is co-deposited with the FL.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device comprises a fixed magnetic region positioned on or over a first electrically conductive region, an intermediate layer positioned on or over the fixed magnetic region, a free magnetic region positioned on or over the intermediate layer, and a metal insertion substance positioned in contact with the free magnetic region, wherein the metal insertion substance includes one or more transition metal elements.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor according to the invention comprises at least an element portion that is elongate and that has a magnetoresistive effect; and a soft magnetic body that sandwiches the element portion on both sides with regard to a short axis direction of the element portion. A width of at least one of both end portions of the element portion with regard to a long axis direction of the element portion gradually decreases as a distance in the long axis direction from a central portion of the element portion with regard to the long axis direction increases.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device includes at least one vortex magnetoresistor and at least one magnetization setting element. The vortex magnetoresistor includes a pinning layer, a pinned layer, a spacer layer, and a round free layer. The pinned layer is disposed on the pinning layer, and the spacer layer is disposed on the pinned layer. The round free layer is disposed on the spacer layer, and has a magnetization direction distribution with a vortex shape. The magnetization setting element is alternately applied and not applied an electric current to. When the magnetization setting element is not applied the electric current to, the magnetization direction distribution with the vortex shape of the round free layer is varied with an external magnetic field. When the magnetization setting element is applied the electric current to, a magnetic field generated by the magnetization setting element makes the round free layer achieve magnetic saturation.

Abstract: A junction shield (JS) structure is disclosed for providing longitudinal bias to a free layer (FL) having a width (FLW) and magnetization in a cross-track direction between sidewalls in a sensor. The sensor is formed between bottom and top shields and has sidewalls extending from a front side at an air bearing surface (ABS) to a backside that is a stripe height (SH) from the ABS. The JS structure has a single layer (JS1) adjacent to each sensor sidewall and with a magnetization parallel to that of the FL, and a tapered top surface such that JS1 has decreasing thickness with increasing height from the ABS. As aspect ratio or AR (SH/FLW) increases above 1, longitudinal bias increases proportionally to slow an increase in asymmetry as AR increases, and without introducing a loss in amplitude for a reader with low AR.

Abstract: A junction shield (JS) structure and method of forming the same are disclosed for providing longitudinal bias to a free layer (FL) having a width (FLW) and magnetization in a cross-track direction between sidewalls in a sensor. The sensor is formed between bottom and top shields and has sidewalls extending from a front side at an air bearing surface (ABS) to a backside at a stripe height (SH) from the ABS. The JS structure has a lower layer (JS1) with magnetization parallel to that of the FL, and a tapered top surface such that JS1 has decreasing thickness with increasing height from the ABS. As aspect ratio or AR (SH/FLW) increases above 1, longitudinal bias increases proportionally to slow an increase in asymmetry as AR increases, and without decreasing amplitude for a reader with low AR. The JS1 layer may be antiferromagnetically coupled to an upper JS layer for stabilization.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a deformable film portion, and a first sensing element provided at the film portion. The first sensing element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The first intermediate layer is nonmagnetic. The first magnetic layer includes a first film including Fe and Co, a second film including Fe and Co, a third film, and a fourth film. The third film includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Au, Ru, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, and Os and is provided between the first and second films. The fourth film includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sc, Ti, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ba, La, Hf, Ta, and W and is provided between the third and second films.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory device includes a first magnetic region, a first counter magnetic region, and a first nonmagnetic region provided between the first magnetic region and the first counter magnetic region. The first magnetic region includes a first magnetic film, a second magnetic film, and an intermediate film. The first magnetic film is provided between the second magnetic film and the first nonmagnetic region. The intermediate film includes Ru and is provided between the first magnetic film and the second magnetic film. A distance along a first direction between the first magnetic film and the second magnetic film is not less than 1.8 nm and not more than 2.2 nm. The first direction is from the first counter magnetic region toward the first magnetic region.

Abstract: A spin torque magnetic RAM according to the present invention includes at least one row selection line positioned on a silicon substrate to induce a spin orbit interaction therein; at least one first magnetic pattern positioned on the row selection line; a second magnetic pattern positioned on the first magnetic pattern; a tunnel barrier positioned on the second magnetic pattern; and a third magnetic pattern positioned on the tunnel barrier, wherein the first magnetic pattern is made of a cobalt film, the first magnetic pattern and the second magnetic pattern have a total thickness of 5 nm to form a free layer, and the third magnetic pattern is formed with a pinned layer in which a magnetization direction is fixed.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element includes a magnetization fixed layer, a magnetization free layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer that is stacked between the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer includes a first fixed layer and a second fixed layer that are formed of a ferromagnetic material, and a magnetic coupling layer that is stacked between the first fixed layer and the second fixed layer. The first fixed layer and the second fixed layer are magnetically coupled to each other by exchange coupling via the magnetic coupling layer such that magnetization directions of the first fixed layer and the second fixed layer are antiparallel to each other. The magnetic coupling layer is a non-magnetic layer that includes Ir and at least one of the following elements: Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave resonator includes a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the substrate, and a piezoelectric layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. Either one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode include a molybdenum-tungsten alloy having a weight ratio of molybdenum to tungsten in a range of 3:1 to 1:3.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor device includes a first magnetic sensor, a second magnetic sensor, and a soft magnetic structure. The first magnetic sensor generates a detection value corresponding to a component in a direction parallel to an X direction of an external magnetic field. The second magnetic sensor generates a detection value corresponding to a component in a direction parallel to a Y direction of the external magnetic field. In the presence of a residual magnetization in the X direction in the soft magnetic structure, a magnetic field that is based on the residual magnetization and contains a component in the ?X direction is applied to the first magnetic sensor. In the presence of a residual magnetization in the Y direction in the soft magnetic structure, a magnetic field that is based on the residual magnetization and contains a component in the ?Y direction is applied to the second magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A reader includes a free layer and a side shield that biases the free layer. The side shield includes a main bias layer having a first magnetic moment value and a first magnetization direction. The side shield also includes a compensation bias layer having a second magnetic moment value that is less than the first magnetic moment value and a second magnetization direction that is opposite to the first magnetization direction.

Abstract: A junction shield (JS) structure is disclosed for providing longitudinal bias to a free layer (FL) having a width (FLW) and magnetization in a cross-track direction between sidewalls in a sensor. The sensor is formed between bottom and top shields and has sidewalls extending from a front side at an air bearing surface (ABS) to a backside that is a stripe height (SH) from the ABS. The JS structure has a lower layer (JS1) with a magnetization parallel to that of the FL, and a tapered top surface such that JS1 has decreasing thickness with increasing height from the ABS. As aspect ratio or AR (SH/FLW) increases above 1, longitudinal bias increases proportionally to slow an increase in asymmetry as AR increases, and without introducing a loss in amplitude for a reader with low AR. The JS1 layer may be antiferromagnetically coupled to an upper JS layer for stabilization.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes: a substrate; an underlayer; a magnetic layer including an alloy having an L10 type crystal structure; and a protective layer, wherein the substrate, the underlayer, the magnetic layer, and the protective layer are stacked in the recited order. A pinning layer is further included between the magnetic layer and the protective layer, and the pinning layer includes a magnetic material including Co and includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, and Al.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device includes an MR element and a bias magnetic field generation unit. The MR element includes a free layer shaped to be long in one direction. The bias magnetic field generation unit includes a ferromagnetic layer for generating a bias magnetic field. The ferromagnetic layer includes two main portions, a first side portion, and a second side portion arranged to surround the perimeter of the free layer. In any cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the free layer, a shortest distance between the first side portion and the free layer and a shortest distance between the second side portion and the free layer are 35 nm or less.

Abstract: Provided is a spin-orbit-torque magnetization rotational element that suppresses re-adhesion of impurities during preparation and allows a write current to easily flow. The spin-orbit-torque magnetization rotational element includes a spin-orbit torque wiring that extends in a first direction, and a first ferromagnetic layer that is located on a side of one surface of the spin-orbit torque wiring. A side surface of the spin-orbit torque wiring and a side surface of the first ferromagnetic layer form a continuous inclined surface in any side surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic head includes forming a read sensor stripe, depositing an electronic lapping guide (ELG) layer over the substrate in an ELG region, forming a backside edge of a read sensor by patterning the read sensor stripe in a first patterning step, forming a backside insulator layer and a rear bias magnetic material portion over the backside edge of the read sensor, forming a backside edge of an ELG by patterning the ELG layer in the ELG region in a second patterning step, simultaneously forming a front side edge of the read sensor and a front side edge of the ELG, and lapping the read sensor and the ELG to provide an air bearing surface of a read sensor. The physical stripe height offset can be determined for each flash field by correlating device conductance and ELG conductance.

Abstract: A perpendicularly magnetized magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ) is disclosed wherein a free layer (FL) has a first interface with a MgO tunnel barrier, a second interface with a Mo or W Hk enhancing layer, and is comprised of FexCoyBz wherein x is 66-80, y is 5-9, z is 15-28, and (x+y+z)=100 to simultaneously provide a magnetoresistive ratio >100%, resistance x area product <5 ohm/?m2, switching voltage <0.15V (direct current), and sufficient Hk to ensure thermal stability to 400° C. annealing. The FL may further comprise one or more M elements such as O or N to give (FexCoyBz)wM100-w where w is >90 atomic %. Alternatively, the FL is a trilayer with a FeB layer contacting MgO to induce Hk at the first interface, a middle FeCoB layer for enhanced magnetoresistive ratio, and a Fe or FeB layer adjoining the Hk enhancing layer to increase thermal stability.

Abstract: A recording head that includes a reader having a front end at a bearing surface of the recording head and a rear end behind the bearing surface. The reader has a non-rectangular shape with a front-end width that is less than an average width of the reader. A first bias element is positioned proximate to a first side of the reader, and a second bias element is positioned proximate to a second side of the reader. Each of the first and second bias elements has a bias level that is a function of a ratio of the front-end width to the average width of the reader.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a method includes performing a reducing operation for reducing a native oxide along a surface of a CoFe layer of a magnetic transducer, after performing the reducing operation, performing an oxidation operation for oxidizing the surface of the CoFe layer, and after performing the oxidation operation, forming a layer of at least partially crystalline alumina on the oxidized surface of the CoFe layer.

Abstract: A hard magnet stabilization scheme is disclosed for a top shield and junction shields for double or triple dimension magnetic reader structures. In one design, the hard magnet (HM) adjoins a top or bottom surface of all or part of a shield domain such that the HM is recessed from the air bearing surface to satisfy reader-to-reader spacing requirements and stabilizes a closed loop magnetization in the top shield. The HM may have a height and width greater than that of the top shield. The top shield may have a ring shape with a HM formed above, below, or within the ring shape, and wherein the HM stabilizes a vortex magnetization. HM magnetization is set or reset from room temperature to 100° C. to maintain a desired magnetization direction in the top shield, junction shield, and free layer in the sensor.

Abstract: A thin film magnet includes a substrate, an oxidation-inhibiting layer in an amorphous state disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, a first magnetic layer disposed on the oxidation-inhibiting layer, an intermediate layer disposed on the first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer disposed on the intermediate layer, and a second oxidation-inhibiting layer in an amorphous state disposed above the second magnetic layer. The intermediate layer contains metal particles. The metal particles are diffused in the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The concentration of the metal particles in a part of the first magnetic layer decreases as the distance from the intermediate layer to the part of the first magnetic layer increases. The concentration of the metal particles in a part of the second magnetic layer decreases as the distance from the intermediate layer to the part of the second magnetic layer increases.

Abstract: A spin transfer torque (STT) device has a free ferromagnetic layer that includes a Heusler alloy layer and a template layer beneath and in contact with the Heusler alloy layer. The template layer may be a ferromagnetic alloy comprising one or more of Co, Ni and Fe and the element X, where X is selected from one or, more of Ta, B, Hf, Zr, W, Nb and Mo. A CoFe nanolayer may be formed below and in contact with the template layer. The STT device may be a spin-torque oscillator (STO), like a STO incorporated into the write head of a magnetic recording disk drive. The STT device may also be a STT in-plane or perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) cell for magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The template layer reduces the critical current density of the STT device.

Abstract: A method of forming a read head. The method includes forming first and second read sensors that are substantially trapezoidal in shape. A first read measurement is performed on a storage medium using the first read sensor. A second read measurement is performed on the storage medium using the second read sensor. Based on a comparison of the first and second read measurements to a predetermined quantity, either the first read sensor or the second read sensor is selected to be operational in a data storage device.