Abstract
A new technique for creating a thin-film head with a controlled domain structure was investigated. The difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the magnetic film and the photoresist insulation layer greatly affects the stress distribution across the upper magnetic core after annealing. Tensile stress is induced in the lower part of the upper magnetic core, and compressive stress is induced in the upper part of the core. The composition distribution of NiFe alloy across the upper core can be controlled by means of the electroplating conditions. Consequently, magnetoelastic effect anisotropy can be induced to stabilize the domain structure of the upper magnetic core. This new technique was used to fabricate a thin-film head with low wiggle noise.
