Recording read heads with a multi-layer AFM layer methods and apparatuses
View Patent ↗Apparatuses and methods of recording read heads with a multi-layer anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) layer are provided. The AFM layer has gradient Manganese (Mn) compositions. A multi-layer AFM layer comprises a plurality of sub-layers having different Mn compositions. An upper sub-layer has a higher Mn composition than an lower sub-layer. Different types of gases may be used to deposit each sub-layer and the flow of each gas may be adjusted.
1. A read head, comprising:
a non-magnetic spacer layer;
an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) layer directly on top of the spacer layer, the AFM layer consisting of:
a first AFM sub-layer comprising Manganese (Mn); and
a second AFM sub-layer directly on top of the first AFM sub-layer and comprising Mn, wherein the second AFM sub-layer has a higher Mn composition than the first AFM sub-layer; and
a pinned magnetic layer directly on top of the second AFM sub-layer.
2. The read head of claim 1 , wherein the AFM layer has a gradient Manganese (Mn) composition.
3. The read head of claim 1 , wherein the first AFM sub-layer comprises a first iridium manganese (IrMn) film and the second AFM sub-layer comprises a second IrMn film.
4. The read head of claim 1 , wherein the first AFM sub-layer and the second AFM sub-layer are deposited from a target using different gases.
5. The read head of claim 4 , wherein the first AFM sub-layer is deposited using Argon gas.
6. The read head of claim 4 , wherein the second AFM sub-layer is deposited using Krypton gas.
7. The read head of claim 1 , wherein the AFM layer has a total thickness of about 58 angstroms.
8. The read of claim 1 , wherein the first AFM sub-layer has a thickness of about 28 angstroms.
9. The read of claim 1 , wherein the second AFM sub-layer has a thickness of about 30 angstroms.