Magnetoresistive read transducer having patterned longitudinal bias

Abstract

A magnetoresistive (MR) read transducer assembly in which the thin film MR layer is longitudinally biased only in the end regions by exchange bias developed by a thin film of antiferromagnetic material that is deposited in direct contact with the MR layer in the end regions. The longitudinal bias is of a level sufficient to maintain the end regions of the MR layer in a single domain state and thereby induce a single domain state in the central region of the MR layer. Transverse bias is produced within the central region of the MR layer of a level sufficient to maintain that region of the MR layer in a linear response mode. Spaced conductive elements are connected to the MR layer within the central region to define a detection region so that signal output means connected to the conductive elements can determine the resistance changes in the detection region of the MR layer as a function of the fields which are intercepted by the MR layer.