Abstract: An inverted magnetoresistive head is disclosed. The inverted magnetoresistive head includes a reader positioned on top of a writer. The writer includes a bottom pole, a polymer insulator, a write gap, a pole tip and a top pole. The reader includes a bottom shield, a first reader gap, a magnetoresistive element, electrical contacts, a second reader gap and a shield.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an inverted magnetoresistive head is disclosed. The method includes fabricating a writer. The writer includes a bottom pole positioned within a recessed substrate. The bottom pole is filled with copper coils and polymer. A write gap, a pole tip, and a top pole/bottom shield are fabricated on a portion of the polymer. A top surface of both the polymer and the write gap are planarized to provide a substantially smooth surface upon which a reader can be placed. The reader is fabricated on top of the writer and includes a first reader gap, a magnetoresistive element, a second reader gap, and a shield.