Self-pinned CPP sensor using Fe/Cr/Fe structure

1. A magnetic head, comprising:

a free layer;

an antiparrallel (AP) pinned layer structure spaced apart from the free layer, the AP pinned layer structure includes at least two substantially pure Fe pinned layers having magnetic moments that are self-pinned antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer of Cr; and

a high coercivity layer positioned towards the AP pinned layer structure on an opposite side thereof relative to the free layer, the high coercivity structure pinning a magnetic orientation of the AP pinned layer structure.

2. A head as recited in claim 1 , wherein the free layer includes a layer of substantially pure Fe.

3. A head as recited in claim 2 , wherein the free layer further includes a layer of NiFe.

4. A head as recited in claim 1 , further comprising, a spacer layer of Cr positioned between the free layer and the AP pinned layer structure.

5. A head as recited in claim 4 , wherein the spacer layer has a thickness of between about 15 and 25 Å.

6. A head as recited in claim 1 , wherein the head forms part of a GMR head.

7. A head as recited in claim 1 , wherein the head forms part of a CPP GMR sensor.

8. A head as recited in claim 1 , wherein the head forms part of a tunnel valve sensor.

9. A magnetic storage system comprising:

magnetic media;

at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic media, each head having:

a sensor having the structure recited in claim 1 ,

a writer coupled to the sensor;

a slider for supporting the head; and

a control unit coupled to the head for controlling operation of the head.

10. A magnetic head comprising:

a free layer;

an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure spaced apart from the free layer, the AP pinned layer structure includes at least two Fe-containing pinned layers having magnetic moments that are self-pinned antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer of Cr; and

a high coecivity layer positioned towards the AP pinned layer structure on an opposite side thereof relative to the free layer, the high coercivity structure pinning a magnetic orientation of the AP pinned layer structure,

wherein the high coercivity layer is formed of CoPtCr.

11. A head as recited in claim 10 , wherein the CoPtCr is formed directly on one of the Fe-containing pinned layers of the AP pinned layer structure.

12. A magnetic head, comprising:

a free layer, the free layer including a layer of Fe;

an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure spaced apart from the free layer, the AP pinned layer structure includes at least two Fe-containing pinned layers having magnetic moments that are self-pinned antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer of Cr, wherein one of the pinned layers is thicker than another of the pinned layers;

a spacer layer of Cr positioned between the free layer and AP pinned layer structure; and

a high coercivity layer positioned towards the AP pinned layer structure on an opposite side thereof relative to the free layer, the high coercivity structure pinning a magnetic orientation of the AP pinned layer structure.

13. A lead as recited in claim 12 , wherein the free layer further includes a layer of NiFe.

14. A head as recited in claim 12 , wherein the layer of Fe in the free layer is substantially pure Fe.

15. A head as recited in claim 12 , wherein the spacer layer has a thickness of between about 15 and 25 Å.

16. A head as recited in claim 12 , wherein the head forms part of a GMR head.

17. A head as recited in claim 12 , wherein the head forms part of a CPP GMR sensor or a tunnel valve sensor.

18. A head as recited in claim 12 , wherein a total magnetic thickness of one of the pinned layers and the high coercivity layer combined is about the same as a magnetic thickness of another of the pinned layers.

19. A magnetic storage system, comprising:

magnetic media;

at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic media, each head having:

a sensor having the structure recited in claim 12 ;

a writer coupled to the sensor;

a slider for supporting the head; and

a control unit coupled to the head for controlling operation of the head.

20. A magnetic head comprising:

a free layer, the free layer including a layer of Fe;

an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure spaced apart from the free layer, the AP pinned layer structure includes at least two Fe-containing pinned layers having magnetic moments that are self-pinned antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer of Cr;

a spacer layer of Cr positioned between the free layer and AP pinned layer structure; and

a high coercivity layer positioned towards the AP pinned layer structure on an opposite side thereof relative to the free layer, the high coercivity structure pinning a magnetic orientation of the AP pinned layer structure,

wherein the high coercivity layer is formed of CoPtCr.

21. A head as recited in claim 20 , wherein the CoPtCr is formed directly on one of the Fe-containing pinned layers of the AP pinned layer structure.