Title :
Thermal stability testing of GMR recording heads
Author :
Wallash, Albert J. ; Cheng, Nelson
Author_Institution :
Quantum Corp., Milpitas, CA, USA
fDate :
9/1/1999 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A methodology and apparatus are described for studying the thermal stability and blocking temperature distribution of recording heads with GMR sensors. Results using sensors with FeMn, IrMn, and PtMn exchange layers show that GMR designs with PtMn show improved thermal stability. It is concluded that an MR curve tester with a temperature-controlled “hot finger” can provide valuable information on the relative thermal stability and blocking temperature distributions of GMR head designs
Keywords :
giant magnetoresistance; magnetic heads; magnetoresistive devices; spin valves; temperature distribution; thermal stability; FeMn; GMR recording head; IrMn; PtMn; blocking temperature distribution; exchange layer; hot finger; magnetoresistive curve tester; spin valve; thermal stability; Electrical resistance measurement; Giant magnetoresistance; Magnetic heads; Temperature control; Temperature dependence; Temperature distribution; Temperature sensors; Testing; Thermal sensors; Thermal stability;
Journal_Title :
Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on
