JP2002008212A - Magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the quality and the reliability of a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head by suppressing the re-deposition of a matter generated by etching onto the side surface part of a magnetic tunnel junction element. SOLUTION: In the magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head performing signal readout with respect to a magnetic recording medium by using the magnetic tunnel junction element in which conductance of a tunnel current flowing from one magnetic layer to the other magnetic layer of a magnetic tunnel junction film in which a pair of magnetic layers are laminated via an insulating layer is varied depending on a relative angle of magnetization of the pair of magnetic layer, track width to the magnetic recording medium is regulated by etching only the periphery of the part to be the magnetic tunnel junction element of the magnetic tunnel junction film in a prescribed width.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head mounted on a hard disk drive or a magnetic tape drive for reproducing a signal from a magnetic recording medium by utilizing a magnetic tunnel effect, and a method of manufacturing the same. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a laminated structure in which a thin insulating layer is sandwiched between a pair of magnetic layers, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the pair of magnetic layers, the conductance of a so-called tunnel current flowing through the insulating layer is reduced. A so-called magnetic tunnel effect, which changes depending on the relative angle of magnetization of a pair of magnetic layers, is known. That is, a laminated structure in which a thin insulating layer is sandwiched between a pair of magnetic layers exhibits a magnetoresistance effect on a tunnel current flowing through the insulating layer.

In this magnetic tunnel effect, the magnetoresistance ratio can be theoretically calculated from the polarizability of magnetization of a pair of magnetic layers,
In particular, when Fe is used for a pair of magnetic layers, about 40%
Can be expected.

For this reason, a magnetic tunnel junction element (hereinafter, referred to as a TMR element) having a laminated structure in which a thin insulating layer is sandwiched between a pair of magnetic layers has attracted attention as a magnetoresistive element. In the field of heads, attention has been paid to a so-called magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head (hereinafter, referred to as a TMR head) using the TMR element as a magnetic sensing element for detecting a magnetic signal from a magnetic recording medium.

The TMR head is, for example, a shield type TMR head in which a TMR element is arranged between a pair of magnetic shield layers via a gap layer, and the pair of magnetic shield layers has a function as an electrode. By doing
It is possible to realize a narrow gap between the pair of magnetic shield layers and the TMR element.

That is, in the conventional shield type MR head, a soft magnetic film serving as a lower shield layer, a non-magnetic non-conductive film serving as a lower gap layer formed on the soft magnetic film, and a non-magnetic non-conductive film serving as the lower gap layer. Element formed on a conductive film, a pair of conductor films formed on both ends thereof, a non-magnetic non-conductive film serving as an upper gap layer formed thereon, and a non-magnetic non-conductive film And a soft magnetic film serving as an upper shield layer formed thereon.

In this MR head, as the gap becomes narrower in response to higher recording density, the thickness of the non-magnetic non-conductive film serving as the gap layer becomes thinner. In particular, the non-magnetic non-conductive film on the upper gap layer side is because a pair of conductor films formed at both ends of the MR element are formed as step portions on the non-magnetic non-conductive film on the lower layer side. When a non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on such a step, it is difficult to form a film having a uniform thickness over the entire surface. When the distance between the pair of magnetic shield layers and the MR element, that is, the distance between the shields is reduced in order to reproduce a signal recorded on the magnetic recording medium at a high density, It is very difficult to ensure insulation between the magnetic shield layer and the MR element.

On the other hand, in the TMR head, since the pair of magnetic shield layers function as electrodes, the thickness of the non-magnetic non-conductive film serving as the gap layer can be reduced, and the pair of magnetic shield layers can be reduced. The distance between the layer and the TMR element can be reduced. Therefore, this T
In the MR head, a narrow gap can be formed, and it is possible to cope with a higher recording density of the magnetic recording medium.

[0009]

In manufacturing a TMR element in the above-described TMR head, first, a magnetic tunnel junction film is formed by laminating a pair of magnetic layers via an insulating layer. Then, a photoresist patterned into a predetermined shape is formed on the magnetic tunnel junction film by using a photolithography technique. Then, using the photoresist as a mask, the magnetic tunnel junction film is etched by ion etching using argon ions or the like, leaving a portion to be the TMR element, and the photoresist is removed to manufacture the TMR element. You.

However, when the above-described magnetic tunnel junction film is etched in the manufacturing process of the TMR head, the magnetic tunnel junction film (TMR element) to be etched is attached to the side surface of the magnetic tunnel junction film. In some cases, the etched particles (hereinafter, referred to as an object to be etched) adhere again, that is, so-called re-adhesion occurs.

In the TMR head, when such an object to be etched is reattached to the side surface of the TMR element, the resistance value of the side surface of the TMR element is reduced. Therefore, a large amount of tunnel current flows through the side surface of the TMR element, and the tunnel current flowing through the magneto-sensitive portion of the TMR element is greatly reduced. As a result, in the TMR head, there arises a problem that the magnetoresistance ratio of the TMR element is reduced, and the reproduction output and the like are significantly reduced.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of such a conventional situation, and the quality and reliability of the magnetic tunnel junction device are reduced by preventing the object to be etched from re-adhering to the side surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic tunnel effect-type magnetic head and a method for manufacturing the same, which can greatly improve the magnetic field.

[0013]

A magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to the present invention which achieves the above object has a magnetic tunnel junction film in which a pair of magnetic layers are stacked via an insulating layer. A magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head that reads a signal from a magnetic recording medium using a magnetic tunnel junction element in which the conductance of a tunnel current flowing through the magnetic layer of the magnetic layer changes depending on the relative angle of magnetization of the pair of magnetic layers. is there. Then, only the periphery of the portion to be the magnetic tunnel junction element in the magnetic tunnel junction film is etched with a predetermined width, whereby the track width with respect to the magnetic recording medium is regulated.

In this magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head,
In the magnetic tunnel junction film, only the portion around the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction device is etched with a predetermined width. It has been reduced. Therefore, in this magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head, it is possible to prevent the magnetoresistance ratio from being lowered,
A stable reproduction output can be obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of manufacturing a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to the present invention comprises the steps of: forming a magnetic tunnel junction film by laminating a pair of magnetic layers via an insulating layer; A step of forming a resist pattern having a predetermined shape on the tunnel junction film; and using the resist pattern as a mask, only a predetermined portion of the magnetic tunnel junction film around a portion to be a magnetically sensitive portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element is formed. Etching at a width.

In the method of manufacturing a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head, only the magnetic tunnel junction film is etched at a predetermined width around a portion to be a magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element, thereby forming the magnetic tunnel junction film. Since the amount of etching of the bonding film is reduced, it is possible to drastically reduce the amount of the object to be etched re-attached to the side portion to be etched of the magnetic tunnel junction device, that is, the portion serving as the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction device. it can. Therefore, according to this method, it is possible to easily manufacture a high-quality magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head in which an object to be etched is less re-adhered to the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make the characteristics easy to understand, the characteristic portions may be shown in an enlarged manner, and the dimensional ratio of each component may not be the same as the actual one. Not exclusively.

As an embodiment of the present invention, a hard disk drive shown in FIG. 1 has a magnetic disk 3 rotated by a spindle motor on a chassis 2 of an apparatus main body 1 provided inside a casing (not shown). And a head actuator 5 having a head slider 4 at a tip end on which a magnetic head for recording or reproducing an information signal on or from the magnetic disk 3 is mounted.

The hard disk drive also includes a signal processing circuit for performing signal processing and the like at the time of recording and reproduction, on the chassis 2 opposite to the surface on which the magnetic disk 3 and the head actuator 5 of the chassis 2 are mounted; Each control circuit 6 includes a servo control circuit for performing servo control of the magnetic head and a system controller for controlling the entire system.

The magnetic disk 3 is a so-called hard disk, and is formed by sequentially laminating a magnetic layer and a protective layer on a substantially disk-shaped disk substrate having a center hole at a substantially central portion. In this hard disk drive, a plurality of magnetic disks 3 are fixed by a clamper 8 while their center holes are fitted to a rotating shaft 7 of the spindle motor, and the rotation of the spindle motor controlled by a control circuit is controlled. Accordingly, the motor is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

The head actuator 5 includes a support arm 10 which is turned around a support shaft 9 thereof, and a voice coil motor 11 provided on one side of the support arm 10.
A suspension 12 having a predetermined elasticity attached to the other side of the support arm 10; and the head slider 4 attached to the tip of the suspension 12.

The voice coil motor 11 includes a support arm 1
0, and a magnet 14 attached to the chassis 2 facing the coil 13.
When a current is supplied to the coil 13, a magnetic field is generated, and the magnetic effect between the coil 13 and the magnet 14 arranged oppositely causes the support arm 10 to rotate the support shaft 9.
1 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1, that is, in the radial direction of the magnetic disk 3.

The head slider 4 is attached to the tip of the suspension 12, and the suspension 12 is urged toward the magnetic disk 3 by an elastic force while supporting the head slider 4.

The head slider 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIGS.
Each of the suspension arms 12 of a plurality of support arms 10 provided correspondingly to the magnetic disk 3 is supported so as to face the signal recording surface of the magnetic disk 3. The head slider 4 has a surface 4a facing the magnetic disk 3 (hereinafter referred to as a medium facing surface) 4a.
An air lubrication surface (ABS surface) for generating a levitation force by an air flow generated with the rotation of the motor is formed.

That is, the head slider 4 attached to the tip of the suspension 12 receives the airflow generated by the rotation of the magnetic disk 3 and
The magnetic head 20 mounted on the head slider 4 records or reproduces a signal on or from a signal recording surface of the magnetic disk 3 while flying above the head at a predetermined flying height. The shape of the air lubrication surface of the head slider 4 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape.

The magnetic head 20 is provided at the rear end of the head slider 4 which flies and travels with respect to the magnetic disk 3 which is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnetic head 20 is, for example, a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head (hereinafter, referred to as a TMR head) 21 as a reproducing head.
And a combined thin-film magnetic head in which an inductive thin-film head 22 is combined as a recording head.
FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of the magnetic head 20 as viewed from the medium facing surface 4a.

In the magnetic head 20, since each component of the reproducing head and the recording head is formed by a thin film forming technique such as a plating method or a sputtering method, the magnetic head 20 can be used for forming a narrow track or a narrow gap. It has an advantage that it can be easily miniaturized and recording / reproducing with high resolution is possible.

More specifically, the magnetic head 20 is reproduced on a substrate 23 made of a hard non-magnetic material such as alumina titanium carbide (Al ₂ O ₃ —TiC) by a thin film laminating step described later in detail. A TMR head 21 that reproduces a signal from the magnetic disk 3 using the magnetic tunnel effect as a head unit, and a signal is recorded on the magnetic disk 3 using electromagnetic induction as a recording head unit on the TMR head 21. The inductive thin film head 22 is laminated. The magnetic head 20
In, the respective components constituting the reproducing head section and the recording head section face outward from the medium facing surface 4a to form substantially the same end face.

The TMR head 21 is a so-called shield type TMR head in which a magnetic tunnel junction element (hereinafter, referred to as a TMR element) is sandwiched between a pair of upper and lower magnetic shield layers via a shield gap layer. More specifically, the TMR head 21 includes a lower shield layer 24 formed on a substrate 23, a lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 formed on the lower shield layer 24, and a lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 formed on the lower shield layer 24. TMR element 26 formed on top
And an upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 formed on the TMR element 26, and an upper shield layer 28 formed on the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27. Is provided with a non-magnetic non-conductive material 29 such as Al ₂ O ₃ .

The TMR element 26 is a magneto-sensitive element for detecting a signal from the magnetic disk 3 using the magnetic tunnel effect. The conductance of the tunnel current flowing through the TMR element 26 is magnetized by the magnetic field from the magnetic disk 3. By utilizing the so-called magnetic tunnel effect, which changes depending on the direction in which the current is applied, the voltage change of the tunnel current is detected and the signal recorded on the magnetic disk 3 is read.

More specifically, in the TMR element 26, the magnetization fixed layer 30 in which the magnetization is fixed in a predetermined direction and the magnetization free layer 31 that changes the magnetization direction in accordance with an external magnetic field form the tunnel barrier layer 32. It has a magnetic tunnel junction film 33 that is laminated through the intermediary.

In the magnetic tunnel junction film 33, the magnetized fixed layer 30 is formed, for example, on a 3 nm-thick Ta film formed on the lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 and a 3 nm-thick NiFe film. And an IrMn film having a thickness of 10 nm;
It has a three-layer structure in which a 4 nm-thick CoFe film is sequentially laminated. Of these, the IrMn film is an antiferromagnetic film, which is exchange-coupled with the CoFe film.
The magnetization direction of the e film is fixed to a predetermined direction.

The tunnel barrier layer 32 is formed on the CoFe film of the magnetization fixed layer 30 as an insulating layer.
A 3 nm Al oxide film (Al ₂ O ₃ ) is laminated.

The magnetization free layer 31 is formed on the tunnel barrier layer 3 by, for example, a 4 nm-thick CoFe film and a 5 nm-thick
And a NiFe film are sequentially laminated. Then, on this magnetization free layer 31, for example, a 5 nm-thick Ta film serving as an upper layer is formed. Of these, C
The oFe film is for increasing the spin polarizability. The NiFe film has a low coercive force, and the direction of magnetization changes in accordance with an external magnetic field, and these serve as a magnetic sensing portion 26 a of the TMR element 26.

The magnetic tunnel junction film 33 has such a spin-valve type laminated structure, so that the TM
The magnetoresistance ratio of the R element 26 can be increased. The material of each layer constituting the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 and the thickness thereof are not limited to the above examples.
Select an appropriate material according to the purpose of use of the R element 26,
What is necessary is just to set it to an appropriate film thickness.

The TMR element 26 is formed of a magnetically sensitive portion 26 of the TMR element 26 in the magnetic tunnel junction film 33.
By etching the periphery of the portion to be a with a predetermined etching width S, the groove 2 having a depth D from the magnetization free layer 31 of the TMR element 26 to the middle of the magnetization fixed layer 30 is formed.
6b are formed, the track width Tw ₁ is restricted to that magnetic disk 3.

In the TMR head 21, the etching width S is preferably 500 μm or less, and more preferably, is etched with a width of several tens μm. This will be described later in detail.

Here, the etching width S is set to about 10
and [mu] m, but the track width Tw ₁ is set to about 5 [mu] m,
These etching width S and the track width Tw ₁ is not limited to the above example, it may be set to an appropriate value in response to a request or the like of the system.

In the TMR head 21, the lower shield layer 24 and the lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 are fixed to the magnetization fixed layer 30 of the TMR element 26 so that a tunnel current flows through the TMR element 26 via the tunnel barrier layer 32. The upper shield layer 28 and the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 function as electrodes for the magnetization free layer 31.

Specifically, the lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 and the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 are made of a conductive non-magnetic material such as Cu. Among them, the lower nonmagnetic conductive layer 25 is provided so that the magnetization fixed layer 30 of the TMR element 26 and the lower shield layer 24 are electrically connected. On the other hand, the upper nonmagnetic conductive layer 27 is
The magnetic free layer 31 of the TMR element and the upper shield layer 28 are provided so as to be electrically connected to each other through the protrusion 27a. .

The lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 and the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 are formed of a non-magnetic non-conductive layer disposed in a gap between the TMR element 26 and the lower and upper shield layers 24 and 28. Together with the material 29, a shield gap layer is formed, and the TMR element 26 is magnetically isolated from the lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28.

Lower shield layer 24 and upper shield layer 2
Numeral 8 is made of a soft magnetic material having conductivity, and is formed of, for example, an amorphous laminated film made of CoZrNbTa having a thickness of 2.3 μm. And the lower shield layer 2
4 and the upper shield layer 28 are formed of the lower nonmagnetic conductive layer 25.
Further, electricity is supplied to the TMR element 26 via the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27.

The lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28 have a width sufficient to magnetically shield the TMR element 26, and the lower nonmagnetic conductive layer 25 and the upper nonmagnetic conductive layer 27 The TMR element 26 is interposed therebetween, thereby forming a pair of magnetic shield layers that function so that a magnetic field that is not to be reproduced out of the signal magnetic field from the magnetic disk 3 is not drawn into the TMR element 26. That is, in the TMR head 21, the signal magnetic field not to be reproduced with respect to the TMR element 26 is guided to the lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28, and only the signal magnetic field to be reproduced is guided to the TMR element 26. Thereby, in the TMR head 21, the frequency characteristics and the reading resolution of the TMR element 26 are improved.

In the TMR head 21, the lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28 and the TMR element 26
Is the so-called inter-shield distance.

As shown in FIG. 2, the TMR head 21 is provided with lead wires 34a and 34b electrically connected to the lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28, respectively. , 34b
The external connection terminals 35a and 35b are respectively provided at the ends of the head slider 4 so as to reach the outside from the end surface on the rear end side of the head slider 4.

The lead wires 34a and 34b are, for example, C
The thin film is formed of a conductive material such as u. The external connection terminals 35a and 35b are made of a conductive material such as gold (Au), for example. A conductive wire made of gold (Au) is electrically connected to a wiring terminal provided on the suspension 12 side by wire bonding or the like. The connection enables the contact with the external circuit.

On the other hand, the inductive type thin film head 22
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a lower core layer 36, which is the same member as the upper shield layer 28,
Upper core layer 3 provided thereon via a magnetic gap 37
8 and a back yoke 39 which is joined to the upper core layer 38 and forms a back gap with the lower core layer 36 at the other end separated from the medium facing surface 4a. A non-magnetic non-conductive material 29 such as, for example, Al ₂ O ₃ is arranged in a gap portion reaching the upper core layer 38.

The inductive type thin-film head 22 is provided between the lower core layer 36 and the back yoke 39 and has a thin-film coil 40 wound around a back gap.
And lead wires 41a and 41b electrically connected to the inner and outer ends of the thin-film coil 40, respectively, and these lead wires 41a and 41b are provided.
The external connection terminals 42a and 42b are provided at the ends of the head slider 4 so as to face the outside from the rear end side end surface of the head slider 4.

The lower core layer 36, the upper core layer 38, and the back yoke 39 constitute a magnetic core serving as a closed magnetic circuit. Among them, the upper core layer 38 is formed by molding a soft magnetic material having conductivity, such as an amorphous laminated film, to a predetermined width, and is disposed to face the lower core layer 36 via the nonmagnetic nonconductive material 29. the Rukoto has magnetic gap 37 is formed, the width is the track width Tw _2. The track width Tw ₂ may be set to an appropriate value according to the requirements of the system.

The inductive type thin film head 2
2, the upper core layer 38 having a predetermined track width Tw ₂
By forming a convex portion on the lower core layer 36 in opposition to the above, the leakage magnetic field generated in the magnetic gap 37 can be reduced, and a fine magnetic signal can be recorded on the magnetic disk 3 with high accuracy. Become.

The thin-film coil 40 is formed by forming a thin film of a conductive material such as Cu in a spiral shape.

The lead wires 41a and 41b are formed of a thin film of a conductive material such as Cu, for example, like the lead wire 34 described above.

The external connection terminals 42a and 42b are
Similarly to the external connection terminal 35 described above, for example, gold (A
u) or the like, and a conductive wire also made of gold (Au) is electrically connected to a wiring terminal provided on the suspension 12 side by wire bonding or the like, thereby making it possible to make contact with an external circuit. ing.

The magnetic head 20 has external connection terminals 35 and 42 on the end surface on the rear end side of the head slider 4.
A protective film made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material 29 such as Al ₂ O ₃ is formed except for a portion facing the outside to protect the thin-film coil 40 and the lead wires 34 and 41.

In the magnetic head 20 configured as described above, when reproducing a signal from the magnetic disk 3 using the TMR head 21, the magnetic head 20 is placed between the magnetization fixed layer 30 and the magnetization free layer 31 of the TMR element 26. Is applied with a predetermined voltage. At this time, the conductance of the tunnel current flowing through the tunnel barrier layer 32 of the TMR element 26 changes according to the signal magnetic field from the magnetic disk 3. For this reason,
In the TMR head 21, the voltage value of the tunnel current flowing through the TMR element 26 changes. By detecting the change in the voltage value of the TMR element 26, a signal can be reproduced from the magnetic disk 3.

On the other hand, when recording a signal on the magnetic disk 3 using the inductive type thin film head 22, a current corresponding to the signal to be recorded on the thin film coil 40 is supplied. At this time, in the inductive type thin film head 22, the magnetic field generated from the thin film coil 40 causes a magnetic flux to flow through the magnetic core and generates a leakage magnetic field from the magnetic gap 37. Then, the inductive thin film head 22
Then, the signal can be recorded by applying the leakage magnetic field to the magnetic disk 3.

By the way, in this magnetic head 20,
The TMR head 21 serving as a reproducing head is a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head to which the present invention is applied, and only a predetermined portion of the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 around a portion to be a magnetically sensitive portion 26a of the TMR element 26 is predetermined. by being etched by an etching width S of the track width Tw ₁ is a regulated structure for the magnetic disk 3.

Therefore, in the TMR head 21, the TMR
The reattachment of the object to be etched on the magnetic sensing portion 26a of the MR element 26 is reduced. Therefore, in the TMR head 21, it is possible to prevent the magnetoresistance ratio from being lowered, and to obtain a stable reproduction output.

Here, a TMR head provided with a TMR element which is etched while leaving only a portion to be a TMR element in a magnetic tunnel junction film as in the prior art, and a magnetic tunnel junction film 33 as in the present invention. TMR element 2
The magnetoresistance ratio of a TMR head having a TMR element 26 in which only the periphery of the part 6 serving as the magnetic sensing part 26a is etched was measured while changing the junction area of the TMR element. Examined.

FIG. 4 shows the measurement results of the relationship between the junction area and the magnetoresistance ratio of the TMR element. Here, the junction area of the TMR element indicates the size of a portion to be a magnetically sensitive part of the TMR element, and in the case of a conventional TMR head, indicates the size of the TMR element.
In the case of a TMR head to which the present invention is applied, the size of a portion of the TMR element 26 serving as a magnetic sensing portion 26a is shown.

As is clear from FIG. 4, the magnetoresistance ratio of the conventional TMR head decreases as the junction area of the TMR element decreases, whereas the TMR head to which the present invention is applied has the following disadvantages. It can be seen that the magnetoresistive ratio is higher over the whole than the conventional TMR head and the decrease in the magnetoresistive ratio is suppressed even when the junction area of the TMR element 26 is reduced.

In the case of the TMR head to which the present invention is applied, the TMR element 26 of the magnetic tunnel junction film 33
Of the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 is reduced by etching only the portion around the portion to be the magnetically sensitive portion 26a with the predetermined etching width S.
This is because the amount of the object to be etched re-attached to the side surface of the magnetic sensing portion 26a of the R element 26 is greatly reduced.

As described above, in the TMR head to which the present invention is applied, a decrease in the magnetoresistance ratio of the TMR element 26 can be prevented.

Therefore, in the TMR head to which the present invention is applied, a stable reproduction output can be obtained, and a high magnetoresistance ratio can be obtained even when the junction area of the TMR element is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a further increase in the density of the magnetic recording medium.

Next, in the TMR head to which the present invention was applied, the magnetoresistance ratio was measured while changing the etching width S of the TMR element 26. FIG. 5 shows the result of measurement of the relationship between the etching width S and the magnetoresistance ratio.
Shown in

As is apparent from FIG. 5, in this TMR head, as the etching width S increases, the TMR
It can be seen that the re-adhesion of the object to be etched on the magnetic sensing portion 26a of the element 26 increases, and the magnetoresistance ratio decreases. The influence of the etching width S is 20 μm.
It can be seen that the magnetoresistance ratio starts to gradually decrease from around m, and that the magnetic resistance ratio at 500 μm is about half that when the etching width S is 20 μm.
Further, from the vicinity where the etching width S exceeds 500 μm,
It can be seen that the magnetoresistance ratio decreases significantly.

From the above, the TMR to which the present invention is applied
In the head, the etching width S of the TMR element 26 is:
It is preferable that the thickness be 500 μm or less, and more preferable that the etching be performed in a range of several tens μm.

Although the minimum value of the etching width S varies depending on the process of the stepper to be used, it is practically preferable to perform etching with a smaller width. Thereby, the magnetic sensing part 26 of the TMR element 26
It is considered that the re-adhesion of the object to be etched in a is further reduced, and the yield is improved.

Next, a method of manufacturing the head slider 4 on which the above-described magnetic head 20 is mounted will be described.

The drawings used in the following description are similar to those shown in FIGS.
The characteristic portion may be shown in an enlarged manner, and the dimensional ratio of each component is not always the same as the actual one. Further, in the following description, specific examples of each component constituting the magnetic head 20 and its material, size, film thickness, and the like will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. For example, in the following description, an example using a so-called shield type TMR head having a structure similar to that practically used in a hard disk device or the like will be described.
A so-called yoke-type magnetic head or the like in which a soft magnetic material is part of a magnetic circuit may be used, but is not necessarily limited to such an example.

When manufacturing the magnetic head 20, first, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, a disk-shaped substrate 50 having a diameter of about 4 inches is prepared, and the surface of the substrate 50 is mirror-finished. Is applied. Then, a first soft magnetic film 51 to be the lower shield layer 24 is formed on the substrate 50 by sputtering or the like. FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁ -X ₁ ′ shown in FIG.

The substrate 50 finally becomes the substrate 23 of the magnetic head 20. After the constituent elements of the magnetic head 20 are sequentially laminated on the main surface by a thin film forming process, the substrate 50 Are cut out as individual head chips, whereby a plurality of the head sliders 4 on which the magnetic heads 20 are mounted are manufactured at a time.

The material of the substrate 50 is preferably alumina titanium carbide (Al ₂ O ₃ —TiC) or the like. On the other hand, as the first soft magnetic film 51, for example, an amorphous laminated film made of CoZrNbTa having a thickness of 2.3 μm was formed.

Next, a photoresist is applied on the first soft magnetic film 51 and cured to form a resist layer. Then, this resist layer is patterned into a predetermined shape by using a photolithography technique, thereby forming a first resist pattern 52 as shown in FIGS. Specifically, when patterning the resist layer into a predetermined shape, first, the resist layer is exposed so as to correspond to a desired pattern. Next, after the exposed portion of the resist layer is dissolved and removed with a developing solution, a post-baking process is performed. Thus, a resist pattern having a predetermined shape is obtained. FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₂ -X ₂ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, using the first resist pattern 52 as a mask, the first soft magnetic film 51 is etched by dry etching. First resist pattern 52
From the soft magnetic film 51. Thus, the lower shield layer 24 having a predetermined shape is formed. Note that the shape of the lower shield layer 24 is set to be large enough to magnetically shield the lower layer side of the TMR element 26 formed in a later step. FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₃ -X ₃ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the entire surface of the substrate 50 is formed by sputtering or the like.
For example, a first non-magnetic non-conductive film 53 made of Al ₂ O ₃ or the like
Is polished until a plurality of lower shield layers 24 formed on the substrate 50 are exposed. As a result, the first non-magnetic non-conductive film 53 is buried between the substrate 50 and the lower shield layer 24, and the step is eliminated from a portion of the substrate 50 where the lower shield layer 24 is not formed, and the substrate 50 is flattened. You. FIG. 13 shows a line segment X ₄ −
It is a schematic cross-sectional view according to X ₄ '.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, on the planarized substrate 50, the lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 is formed.
A first nonmagnetic conductive film 54 to be formed is formed by sputtering or the like. The material of the first nonmagnetic conductive film 54 is preferably Cu or the like. The thickness of the first non-magnetic conductive film 54 may be set to an appropriate value according to the frequency of a signal recorded on the magnetic recording medium, for example, 10
It is about 0 nm. Incidentally, FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line X ₅ -X ₅ 'shown in FIG. 14.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a magnetic tunnel junction film 55 to be the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 is formed on the first nonmagnetic conductive film 54 by sputtering or the like. Note that FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line X ₅ -X ₅ 'shown in FIG. 16.

The magnetic tunnel junction film 55 includes, for example, a 3 nm-thick Ta film serving as a lower layer, a 3 nm-thick NiFe film serving as the magnetization fixed layer 30, and a 10 nm-thick IFe film.
An rMn film and a 4 nm-thick CoFe film, and a 1.3 nm-thick Al oxide film (Al
₂ O ₃ ) and 4 nm-thick Co to be the magnetization free layer 31.
An Fe film and a 5-nm-thick NiFe film, and an approximately 5 nm-thick Ta layer serving as an upper layer are sequentially laminated by sputtering or the like in this order.

The material of each layer constituting the magnetic tunnel junction film 55 and the film thickness thereof are not limited to the above examples, and an appropriate material may be selected according to the purpose of use of the TMR element 26 and the like. The thickness may be set to an appropriate value.

Next, a photoresist is applied on the magnetic tunnel junction film 55 and cured to form a resist layer. Then, this resist layer is patterned into a predetermined shape by using a photolithography technique, thereby forming a second resist pattern 56 as shown in FIGS. FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₇ -X ₇ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, using the second resist pattern 56 as a mask, the magnetic tunnel junction film 55 and the first nonmagnetic conductive film 54 were etched. Thereafter, the second resist pattern 56 is removed. Thus, the lower non-magnetic conductive layer 25 and the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 having a predetermined shape are formed on the lower shield layer 24. Note that FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₈ -X ₈ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the entire surface of the substrate 50 is
For example, the second non-magnetic non-conductive film 57 made of Al ₂ O ₃ or the like
Is formed and then polished until a plurality of magnetic tunnel junction films 33 formed on the substrate 50 are exposed. As a result, the second nonmagnetic nonconductive film 57 is embedded between the substrate 50 and the lower nonmagnetic conductive layer 25 and the magnetic tunnel junction film 33, and the lower nonmagnetic conductive layer 25 and the magnetic There is no step with the portion where the tunnel junction film 33 is not formed, and the portion is flattened. FIG. 23 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₉ -X ₉ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, a photoresist is applied on the flattened substrate 50 and cured to form a resist layer, and this resist layer is patterned into a predetermined shape by using a photolithography technique. Then, using the patterned resist layer as a mask, TM of the magnetic tunnel junction film 33 is formed by ion etching.
After etching only the portion around the portion to be the magnetic sensing portion 26 a of the R element 26 with a predetermined etching width S and depth D, the resist layer is removed from the substrate 50. This allows
As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a depth from the magnetization free layer 31 to the middle of the magnetization fixed layer 30 of the TMR element 26 with a predetermined etching width S is provided around a part to be the magnetic sensing part 26a of the TMR element 26. A groove 26b having a height D is formed.

Here, as described above, the etching width S
Is preferably 500 μm or less, and more preferably, etching is performed in a range of several tens μm. As a result, the amount of the object to be etched re-attached to the portion to be the magnetic sensing portion 26a of the TMR element 26 can be reduced, and a good magnetoresistance ratio can be obtained.

Here, the etching width S is set to about 10
and [mu] m, but the track width Tw ₁ was about 5 [mu] m, these etching width S and the track width Tw ₁ is not limited to the above example, by setting to an appropriate value in response to a request or the like of the system Good.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing the encircling portion C shown in FIG. 22, and FIG.
Is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₀ -X ₁₀ 'shown in.

Next, a photoresist is applied on the substrate 50 and cured to form a resist layer. Then, by patterning this resist layer into a predetermined shape using photolithography technology,
As shown in FIG.
6 and a third resist pattern 58 as shown in FIG.
To form FIG. 26 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing the encircling portion C shown in FIG. 22, and FIG.
Is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₁ -X ₁₁ 'shown in.

Next, using this third resist pattern 58, a third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59 made of, for example, Al ₂ O ₃ is formed by sputtering or the like. Is removed together with the third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59 deposited on the third resist pattern 58. Thereby, T as shown in FIG. 28 and FIG.
Third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59 having contact hole 60 opened directly above magneto-sensitive portion 26a of MR element 26
Is formed. FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view showing the encircled portion C shown in FIG. 22 in an enlarged manner, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₂ -X ₁₂ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, a photoresist is applied on the third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59 and cured to form a resist layer. Then, the resist layer is patterned into a predetermined shape by using a photolithography technique to form a fourth resist pattern 61 having an opening 61a having a predetermined shape as shown in FIGS. I do. FIG. 30 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing the encircled portion C shown in FIG.
FIG. 31 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₃ -X ₁₃ ′ shown in FIG. 30.

Next, using the fourth resist pattern 61, a second nonmagnetic conductive film 62 to be the upper nonmagnetic conductive layer 27 is formed by sputtering or the like. At this time, the second non-magnetic conductive film 62 is buried in the contact hole 60 of the third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59. Thereby, the magnetic sensing part 26a of the TMR element 26
Protrusion 27a of the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 in contact with
Is formed. As a material of the second nonmagnetic conductive film 62, Cu or the like is preferable. The thickness of the second nonmagnetic conductive film 62 may be set to an appropriate value according to the frequency of a signal recorded on the magnetic recording medium.

Then, a second soft magnetic film 63 to be the upper shield layer 28 and the lower core layer 36 is formed on the second nonmagnetic conductive film 62 by sputtering or the like. As the second soft magnetic film 63, for example, an amorphous laminated film made of CoZrNbTa having a thickness of 2.3 μm was formed. Note that as the material of the second soft magnetic film 63, a material other than the amorphous laminated film can be selected. In addition to the above-described sputtering, the second soft magnetic film 63 may be formed by, for example, plating or vapor deposition. A soft magnetic film 63 may be formed.

Then, the fourth resist pattern 61 is
This is removed together with the second non-magnetic conductive film 62 and the second soft magnetic film 63 deposited on the fourth resist pattern 61. Thus, the upper non-magnetic conductive layer 27 and the upper shield layer 28 having a predetermined shape as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 are formed on the third non-magnetic non-conductive film 59. Note that FIG. 32 shows the encircled portion C shown in FIG.
33 is an enlarged schematic plan view, and FIG. 33 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₄ -X ₁₄ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the entire surface of the substrate 50 is
For example, a fourth non-magnetic non-conductive film 64 made of Al ₂ O ₃ or the like
Is formed and then polished until a plurality of upper shield layers 28 formed on the substrate 50 are exposed. As a result, the fourth non-magnetic non-conductive film 64 is buried between the substrate 50 and the upper shield layer 28, and the step is eliminated from the portion of the substrate 50 where the upper shield layer 28 is not formed, and the substrate 50 is flattened. You. FIG. 34 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing the encircled portion C shown in FIG. 22, and FIG. 35 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₅ -X ₁₅ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film 64 to be the magnetic gap 37 is formed on the flattened substrate 50 by sputtering or the like. As a material of the fifth nonmagnetic nonconductive film 65, for example, Al ₂ O ₃ or the like is preferable. Note that FIG.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic plan view of the encircled portion C shown in FIG. 22, and FIG. 37 is a line segment X ₁₆ − shown in FIG.
It is a schematic cross-sectional view according to X ₁₆ '.

Next, a photoresist is coated on the fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film 64 and cured to form a resist layer.
This resist layer is patterned into a predetermined shape. Then, using this patterned resist layer, a third soft magnetic film 66 made of, for example, an amorphous laminated film is formed by sputtering or the like, and then the resist layer is deposited on the third soft magnetic film. It is removed together with the film 66. Thereby, on the fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film 64,
The upper core layer 38 having a predetermined width as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 is formed. Further, by being opposed to the lower core layer 38 with a nonmagnetic nonconductive film 67 of the fifth, the magnetic gap 37 is formed, the width becomes the track width Tw _2. The track width Tw ₂ is
An appropriate value may be set according to the requirements of the system.
FIG. 38 is a schematic plan view showing the encircled portion C shown in FIG. 22 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 39 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₇ -X ₁₇ ′ shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the entire surface of the substrate 50 is
For example, a sixth non-magnetic non-conductive film 67 made of Al ₂ O ₃ or the like
Is formed and then polished until a plurality of upper core layers 38 formed on the substrate 50 are exposed. Thereby, the substrate 5
Between the first core layer 38 and the upper core layer 38.
7 is buried, and there is no level difference from a portion on the substrate 50 where the upper core layer 38 is not formed, and the substrate 50 is flattened. FIG. 40 is a schematic plan view showing the encircled portion C shown in FIG. 22 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 41 is a line segment X shown in FIG.
₁₈ is a schematic sectional view taken along -X ₁₈ '.

Next, as shown in FIG. 42, the thin film coil 40 and the back yoke 39 are placed on the flattened substrate 50.
And the lead wires 34 and 41 are formed.

The thin film coil 40 is formed in a spiral shape by sputtering or the like around a portion where the lower core layer 36 and the back yoke 39 are in contact with each other, and a non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed so as to cover the thin film coil 40. A film is formed. As a material of the thin film coil 40, for example, a conductive material such as Cu is used.

The back yoke 39 is formed while being joined to the upper core layer 38, and is formed so as to contact the lower core layer 36 at substantially the center of the spirally formed thin-film coil 40. Thereby, the lower core layer 36,
The upper core layer 38 and the back yoke 39 constitute the magnetic core of the inductive type thin film head 22.

The lead wires 34 and 41 are lead wires 34 a and 34 b electrically connected to the lower shield layer 24 and the upper shield layer 28, respectively, and the inner and outer ends of the thin-film coil 40. The lead conductive lines 41a and 41b respectively electrically connected to the portions are formed. Specifically, etching is performed using a photoresist patterned into a predetermined shape using a photolithography technique as a mask, and the lower shield layer 24 is etched.
Then, a terminal groove is formed to expose the upper shield layer 28 and the portion that comes into contact with the inner peripheral end and the outer peripheral end of the thin-film coil 40. Then, while the photoresist is left, for example, a conductive film made of Cu having a thickness of about 6 μm is formed by electrolytic plating using a copper sulfate solution, and then the photoresist is deposited on the photoresist. Remove with the membrane. Thereby, the lower shield layer 24, the upper shield layer 28, and the thin-film coil 40
And the conductive film embedded in the terminal groove are electrically connected. Then, a conductive film made of Cu having a predetermined shape is formed by, for example, electrolytic plating using a copper sulfate solution so as to be bonded to the conductive film embedded in the terminal groove. Thereby, the lead wires 34a, 34b, 41a, 41 as shown in FIG.
b are respectively formed. The conductive film may be formed by a method other than the electrolytic plating as long as it does not affect other films.

Next, as shown in FIG. 43, external connection terminals 35 and 42 are formed on the ends of these lead wires 34 and 41, respectively. These external connection terminals 35 and 42
Are formed as external connection terminals 35a and 35b electrically connected to the lead wires 34a and 34b, respectively, and external connection terminals 42a and 42b electrically connected to the lead wires 41a and 41b, respectively. . Specifically, using a photoresist patterned into a predetermined shape using a photolithography technique, a conductive film made of gold (Au) is formed by, for example, sputtering or electrolytic plating, and then the photoresist is It is removed together with the conductive film deposited on the photoresist. Thereby, the external connection terminals 35a, 35 as shown in FIG.
b, 42a and 42b are respectively formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 44, for example, Al ₂ O ₃
After the formation of the protective film 68 made of the same, the polishing is performed until the external connection terminals 35 and 42 formed on the substrate 50 are exposed. Specifically, for example, a protective film 68 made of Al ₂ O _{3 is formed} by sputtering to a thickness of about 4 μm. As a material of the protective film 68, any material other than Al ₂ O ₃ can be used as long as it is a non-magnetic and non-conductive material.
₂ O ₃ is preferred. The protective film 68 may be formed by a method other than sputtering, for example, may be formed by a vapor deposition method or the like. Then, polishing is performed until the external connection terminals 35 and 42 are exposed on the surface. In this polishing step, for example, polishing is performed with diamond abrasive grains having a particle size of about 2 μm until the surfaces of the external connection terminals 35 and 42 are exposed. Then, buffing is performed with silicon abrasive grains to finish the surface to a mirror-like state. Thereby, the plurality of head elements 6 that eventually become the magnetic head 20
The substrate 50 on which the substrate 9 is formed is obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 45, the substrate 50 on which a plurality of head elements 69 are formed is cut into strips, thereby forming a bar-shaped head block in which the head elements 69 to be the magnetic heads 20 are arranged in the horizontal direction. 70 is formed.

Next, the height of the head element 69 is adjusted by polishing using a surface plate, and groove processing and taper processing for forming an air lubricating surface of the head slider 4 are performed. Each head chip is divided.
Thus, a plurality of head sliders 4 on which the magnetic heads 20 are mounted as shown in FIG. 46 are manufactured.

The head slider 4 manufactured as described above
When the head slider 4 is used, the head slider 4 is attached to the tip of the suspension 12 and the wiring terminals provided on the suspension 12 side and the external connection terminals 35 and 42 of the magnetic head 20 are connected to gold (Au) or the like. Are electrically connected by wire bonding or the like using a conductor made of As a result, the magnetic head 20 can come into contact with an external circuit. The head slider 4 is mounted on a hard disk drive as shown in FIG. 1 while being mounted on the suspension 12.

As described above, in the method of manufacturing the TMR head to which the present invention is applied, the above-described magnetic tunnel junction film 33 is used.
Of the TMR element 26 is etched with a predetermined etching width S only around the part to be the magnetically sensitive portion 26a, thereby reducing the amount of etching of the magnetic tunnel junction film 33. Side portion, ie, the magnetic sensing part 2 of the TMR element 26
The amount of the object to be etched re-attached to the portion to be 6a can be greatly reduced.

Therefore, according to the present method, it is possible to easily produce a high-quality TMR head 21 with little reattachment of an object to be etched on the magneto-sensitive portion 26a of the TMR element 26, thereby greatly improving productivity. It is possible to improve.

In the above description, a composite type thin film magnetic head in which a TMR head 21 to which the present invention is applied as a reproducing head and an inductive type thin film head 22 as a recording head is described. The configuration of only the TMR head to which the present invention is applied may be adopted.

The TMR head to which the present invention is applied is
The present invention is not limited to the one mounted on the hard disk drive, and is widely applicable in the field of magnetic recording. For example, a magnetic disk drive using a flexible disk as a recording medium or a magnetic disk using a magnetic tape as a recording medium The present invention is also applicable to a tape drive or the like.

[0113]

As described above in detail, according to the magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to the present invention, only the portion around the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element is predetermined in the magnetic tunnel junction film. , The reattachment of the object to be etched on the magneto-sensitive portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element is reduced.

Therefore, in this magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head, a stable reproduction output can be obtained, and even when the junction area of the magnetic tunnel junction element is reduced, a high magnetoresistance ratio can be obtained. Since it can be obtained, it is possible to cope with a further increase in the density of the magnetic recording medium.

In the method of manufacturing a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to the present invention, the magnetic tunnel junction film includes:
By etching only the periphery of the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element with a predetermined width, the amount of etching on the magnetic tunnel junction film is reduced.
The amount of the object to be etched re-attached to the side surface portion of the magnetic tunnel junction device to be etched, that is, the portion serving as the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction device can be greatly reduced.

Therefore, according to the present method, it is possible to easily manufacture a high-quality magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head in which an object to be etched is less likely to be re-adhered to the magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction element, and the productivity is improved. It is possible to greatly improve.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a hard disk drive.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a head slider.

FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of the magnetic head as viewed from a medium facing surface side.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between a junction area of a TMR element and a magnetoresistance ratio.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between an etching width of a TMR element and a magnetoresistance ratio.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a first soft magnetic film is formed on a substrate, illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁ -X ₁ ′ shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider, and is a schematic plan view illustrating a state where a first resist pattern is formed on a first soft magnetic film.

9 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₂ -X ₂ ′ shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a lower shield layer is formed on a substrate.

11 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₃ -X ₃ ′ shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a first non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on a substrate and polished until a surface of a lower shield layer is exposed.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₄ -X ₄ ′ shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a first nonmagnetic conductive film is formed on a flattened substrate.

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₅ -X ₅ ′ shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a film for magnetic tunnel junction is formed on a first nonmagnetic conductive film.

FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₆ -X ₆ ′ shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a second resist pattern is formed on a magnetic tunnel junction film.

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₇ -X ₇ ′ shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a lower nonmagnetic conductive layer and a magnetic tunnel junction film are formed on a lower shield layer.

FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₈ -X ₈ ′ shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a second non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on a substrate and polished until the surface of the magnetic tunnel junction film is exposed.

23 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₉ -X ₉ ′ shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a groove is formed around a portion of the magnetic tunnel junction film which will be a magnetic sensing portion of the TMR element.

FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₀ -X ₁₀ ′ shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a third resist pattern is formed immediately above a magnetic sensing part of the TMR element.

27 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₁ -X ₁₁ ′ shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a third nonmagnetic nonconductive film having a contact hole is formed immediately above a magnetic sensing part of a TMR element.

FIG. 29 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₂ -X ₁₂ ′ shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a fourth resist pattern is formed on a third non-magnetic non-conductive film.

31 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₃ -X ₁₃ ′ shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which an upper nonmagnetic conductive layer and an upper shield layer are formed on a third nonmagnetic nonconductive film.

FIG. 33 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₄ -X ₁₄ ′ shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a fourth non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on a substrate and polished until the surface of an upper shield layer is exposed.

FIG. 35 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₅ -X ₁₅ ′ shown in the figure.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on a flattened substrate.

FIG. 37 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₆ -X ₁₆ ′ shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a state where an upper core layer is formed on a fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film.

FIG. 39 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₇ -X ₁₇ ′ shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a sixth non-magnetic non-conductive film is formed on a substrate and polished until the surface of an upper core layer is exposed.

FIG. 41 is a schematic sectional view taken along line X ₁₈ -X ₁₈ ′ shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state where a thin film coil, a back yoke, and a lead wire are formed on a flattened substrate.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
It is an outline top view showing the state where the terminal for external connection was formed on the end of the lead-out conductor, respectively.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a protective film is formed on a substrate and polished until the surface of an external connection terminal is exposed.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a bar-shaped head block is formed by cutting the substrate into strips.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the head slider.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a head slider is manufactured by dividing a head block into individual head chips.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 3 magnetic disk, 4 head slider, 20 magnetic head, 21 TMR head, 22 inductive type thin film head, 23 substrate, 24 lower shield layer, 25
Lower non-magnetic conductive layer, 26 TMR element, 27 upper non-magnetic conductive layer, 28 upper shield layer, 29 non-magnetic non-conductive material, 30 magnetization fixed layer, 31 magnetization free layer, 32
Tunnel barrier layer, 33 magnetic tunnel junction film, 34,
41 lead wire, 35, 42 external connection terminal, 36
Lower core layer, 37 magnetic gap, 38 upper core layer, 39 back yoke, 40 thin film coil, 50 substrate, 51 first soft magnetic film, 53 first non-magnetic non-conductive film, 54 first non-magnetic conductive Film, 55 magnetic tunnel junction film, 57 second non-magnetic non-conductive film, 59 third non-magnetic non-conductive film, 60 contact hole, 62
Second non-magnetic conductive film, 63 Second soft magnetic film, 64
Fourth non-magnetic non-conductive film, 65 fifth non-magnetic non-conductive film, 66 third soft magnetic film, 67 sixth non-magnetic non-conductive film, 68 protective film, 69 head element, 70 head block

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H01L 43/12 G01R 33/06 R (72) Inventor Junichi Sugawara 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Hitoshi Kubota 08 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture F-term (Reference) 2G017 AA01 AB07 AD54 5D034 BA03 BA15 BB08 DA07 5E049 AA04 AA07 AA09 AA10 AC00 AC05 BA12 FC10

Claims (6)

[Claims] The conductance of a tunnel current flowing from one magnetic layer to another magnetic layer of a magnetic tunnel junction film in which a pair of magnetic layers is stacked via an insulating layer is determined by the relative angle of magnetization of the pair of magnetic layers. A magnetic tunnel junction element that reads a signal from a magnetic recording medium using a magnetic tunnel junction element that changes depending on the magnetic tunnel junction element. A magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head characterized in that a track width with respect to the magnetic recording medium is restricted by etching only a portion around a predetermined width. 2. The magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein the width to be etched is 500 μm or less. 3. The magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic tunnel junction element is disposed between a pair of magnetic shield layers via a gap layer. 4. A step of forming a magnetic tunnel junction film by laminating a pair of magnetic layers via an insulating layer; and a step of forming a resist pattern having a predetermined shape on the magnetic tunnel junction film. Using the resist pattern as a mask, etching only a predetermined width of a portion of the magnetic tunnel junction film to be a magnetic sensing portion of the magnetic tunnel junction device, with a predetermined width. Manufacturing method of a magnetic head. 5. The method for manufacturing a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to claim 4, wherein said etching width is 500 μm or less. 6. The method of manufacturing a magnetic tunnel effect type magnetic head according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic tunnel junction film is laminated between a pair of magnetic shield layers with a gap layer interposed therebetween.