The role of conductor geometry in the stable performance of SAL biased MR heads

The magnetic domain stability of SAL biased MR heads is intimately related to the current flow pattern in the MR active element. This is significantly affected by the conductor geometry near the active area of the MR element. This effect was demonstrated by studying the magnetic stability of two different conductor geometries on a quasistatic tester. A significant improvement in the stability was shown by modifying the conductor geometry to allow a uniform current flow pattern in the MR layer.