Abstract: A method of making provides an inverted merged MR head wherein frame plating is not required for forming a highly defined submicron track width of a top first pole tip portion. A forming structure is formed on a bottom first pole tip portion with a vertical wall located at a site where one of the edges of the top first pole tip is to be located. The top first pole tip is sputtered or plated on the vertical wall of the forming structure with a thickness that defines the track width of the write head. A mask with a recessed portion may be employed for forming the top first pole tip with a back wall that defines a zero throat height of the head. In a preferred embodiment a forming layer is formed adjacent an opposite edge of the top first pole tip and then the top surfaces of the top first pole tip, the forming layer and the forming structure are lapped until these top surfaces are flush with one another.

Abstract: A method of making provides an inverted merged MR head wherein frame plating is not required for forming a highly defined submicron track width of a top first pole tip portion. A forming structure is formed on a bottom first pole tip portion with a vertical wall located at a site where one of the edges of the top first pole tip is to be located. The top first pole tip is sputtered or plated on the vertical wall of the forming structure with a thickness that defines the track width of the write head. A mask with a recessed portion may be employed for forming the top first pole tip with a back wall that defines a zero throat height of the head. In a preferred embodiment a forming layer is formed adjacent an opposite edge of the top first pole tip and then the top surfaces of the top first pole tip, the forming layer and the forming structure are lapped until these top surfaces are flush with one another.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic write head and method are provided wherein the write head has a pole tip region between a planarair bearing surface (ABS) and a zero throat level and a back region which extends back from the zero throat level to and including a back gap. The write head has a yoke which includes top and bottom magnetic poles. Each pole has a pole tip structure in the pole tip region and a back portion in the back region. The pole tip structure of the bottom pole has bottom and top pole tip elements PT1a and PT1b and the pole tip structure of the top pole has a top and bottom pole tip elements PT2a and PT2b. The pole tip elements PT1b and PT2b are located between the pole tip elements PT1a and PT2a and a gap layer G is located between the pole tip elements PT1b and PT2b. Each of the pole tip elements PT1b and PT2b and the gap layer G are bounded by front and back walls and first and second sidewalls.