抄録
The sensitivity profiles optimum bias field and transverse transfer curves of MR elements biased by a soft adjacent layer (SAL) were analyzed by using micromagnetic calculations. Four MR element structures, with different SAL magnetization configurations in the wing regions, were investigated. Additional peaks appeared at the base of the sensitivity profile when the elements had a SAL side wing capable of propagating the signal flux from the recording medium. The sensitivity increased and the optimum bias field decreased as the effective anisotropy field of the MR film was decreased by the MR element structures. When the MR element without a SAL side wing was under-biased, a hystersis arose in the MR response to a cycle of a transverse external field.
