Abstract
Antiferromagnetic film has been used as a pinning layer for a spin-valve head. For practical applications, however, a less corrosive antiferromagnetic layer than those currently available is required. We succeeded in obtaining a new PdPtMn antiferromagnetic layer with high corrosion resistance, which gave a high Hua to a coupled Ni-Fe film when annealed of a temperature lower than 230°C We fabricated spin-valve films using this Pd31Pt17Mn52 material, and obtained an MR ratio of 7.2% by annealing at 230°C although the Hc of the pinned Ni-Fe layer became larger than that when an Fe-Mn antiferromagnetic material was used. The new material is suitable for use as the pinning layer of a spin-valve film. However, further research is needed to decrease the Hc.
