Micromagnetic modeling of spin-valve tape heads

A micromagnetic model was developed for the study of large aspect ratio, shielded spin-valve tape devices. Magnetizations are defined at cell vertexes, from which constant volume and surface charges are determined. Interlayer couplings are defined in terms of interfacial coupling constants, and Brown's equations with extended boundary conditions are solved for the ensemble of magnetizations. The dependence of MR output on sensor height, bias current, and position within the gap are discussed. Magnetization profiles across head height for uniform and media field excitations are presented.