Embodiments of the invention provide a spin-valve type magnetic head that
satisfies the requirements of both high read output and stability with
narrow tracks. In one embodiment, a domain control film is formed on a
magnetoresistive layered film in the same track width. A double closed
flux path structure that uses three magnetic layers is employed with
magnetic coupled structure in both ends of the track. The three magnetic
layers are a soft magnetic free layer, a domain-stabilization
ferromagnetic layer, and a soft magnetic anti-parallel layer.