MAGNETIC MULTI-TURN SENSOR STRUCTURES AND FABRICATION

The techniques described are applicable to closed-loop magnetic multi-turn sensors including giant magnetoresistance (GMR-MT) sensors as well as tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) multi-turn sensors. Techniques, e.g., lithography techniques, are described to form crossings so that a distortion of an ideal shape is reduced or minimized. Another aspect describes techniques to modify the material thickness and/or magnetic properties in such an area of the crossing. Yet another aspect describes techniques to locally weaken the applied field in the area of the crossing to prevent nucleation events in this area. The techniques described are applicable to closed-loop magnetic multi-turn sensors including giant magnetoresistance (GMR-MT) sensors as well as tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) multi-turn sensors.