Making thinner the magnetic domain control layer deteriorates the magnetic
properties. Also, disturbances tend to increase the magnetization
dispersion of the magnetic domain control layer, thereby lowering the
magnetic domain control bias magnetic field. In one embodiment of the
invention, a first magnetic domain control layer is provided in the
proximity of the free layer of the GMR sensor in such a way that the
track width is Twr1. Outside the first magnetic domain control layer is
provided a second magnetic domain control layer. The second magnetic
domain control layer placed outside the first magnetic domain control
layer gives the first magnetic domain control layer an external bias
field. The amount of magnetization of the tip of the first magnetic
domain control layer is polarized and increased by the bias magnetic
field from the second magnetic domain control layer. This causes the
first magnetic domain control layer to apply a strong bias magnetic field
having a lower dispersion to the free layer of the GMR sensor.