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Image Number 9 for United States Patent #7525771.
A method for evaluating a magnetized state of a pinned layer of a magnetoresistive spin-valve element used, together with a recording element, in a magnetic head, is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) supplying a first alternating current to the recording element, while supplying a second current for generating a magnetic field to the spin-valve element, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the second current being opposite to a prescribed direction of magnetization of the pinned layer adjacent to an antiferromagnetic layer; and (b) determining whether the magnetization of the pinned layer is inverted toward said direction opposite to the prescribed direction.
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