CPP-GMR magnetic head having GMR-screen layer

摘要

A spin-valve type magnetic head which has sufficiently high output is provided. In one embodiment, a structure in which high output coexists with high stability is achieved by letting a GMR-effect and a current-path-confinement effect manifest themselves at the same time in a GMR-screen layer consisting of a ferromagnetic metal spike-like part and a half-covering oxide layer.