MAGNETORESISTIVE MAGNETIC HEAD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the reproducing operation of a magnetoresistive (MR) element and to obtain high sensitivity by forming the MR element in such a manner that side edge parts of the MR element along the longitudinal direction are formed into inclined plane and that each electrode is electrically connected to a lower MR layer and an upper MR layer. SOLUTION: The MR element 1 consists of a two-layer MR element in which a lower MR layer 21 and an upper MR layer 22 are formed laminatedly with an insulating layer 23 between. The both side edges 1a, 1b of the MR element 1 along the longitudinal direction are formed into inclined plane and the lower MR layer and the upper MR layer 22 are electrically connected to respective electrodes 16a, 16b. The film thickness of each MR layer 21, 22 is controlled in such a manner that, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the MR element 1 and parallel to the film thickness direction, the area of the lower MR layer 21 is equal to the area of the upper MR layer 22. By applying an equal sensing current on each MR layer 21, 22, Barkhausen noise can be suppressed and the reproducing operation excellent in symmetry in reproducing signals can be obtd.