EXCHANGE BIASING SCHEMES FOR MR DISK HEADS

Three-dimensional micromagnetic model is utilized to compare narrow tr ack-width MR disk head performances under various exchange biasing sch emes. Patterned exchange biasing only the MR layer leads to side-readi ng instability, which can be partially alleviated by additional patter ned exchange on the SAL. However, a uniform exchange over the entire S AL along the transverse direction is shown to be most effective to ens ure head stability and high sensitivity. An optimum exchange orientati on on the MR film also exists due to the trade-off between output sign al and pulse distortion.