Sensor design of vertical type GMR head

We previously reported that the vertical GMR (V-GMR) head can be used for a high-density recording head. However, special design rules are required because the head has a different geometry from the conventional head. We discuss the optimum design of the V-GMR head. We report the technologies and materials required to produce the V-GMR head. Using computer simulations and wafer level experiments, we confirmed that the optimized V-GMR head can he used for more than 40 Gbit/in/sup 2/ areal density.