Abstract: The present disclosure relates to read head apparatus, and methods of forming read head apparatus, for magnetic storage devices, such as magnetic tape drives (e.g., tape drives). In one implementation, a read head for magnetic storage devices includes a lower shield, one or more upper shields, one or more lower leads, and a plurality of upper leads. The read head includes a plurality of read sensors, each read sensor of the plurality of read sensors including a first antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. The read head includes a plurality of soft bias side shields disposed between and outwardly of the plurality of read sensors. The read head includes one or more second AFM layers disposed above the first AFM layer and the plurality of soft bias side shields along a downtrack direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to a highly sensitive tunnel magnetoresistance sensor (TMR) with a Wheatstone bridge for field/position detection in integrated circuits and methods of manufacture and operation. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a structure including: a first magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) structure on a first device level; and a second magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) structure on a different device level than the first MTJ structure. The second MTJ structure includes properties different than the first MTJ structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a Wheatstone bridge array that has four resistors. Each resistor includes a plurality of TMR films. Each resistor has identical TMR films. The TMR films of two resistors have reference layers that have an antiparallel magnetic orientation relative to the TMR films of the other two resistors. To ensure the antiparallel magnetic orientation, the TMR films are all formed simultaneously and annealed in a magnetic field simultaneously. Thereafter, the TMR films of two resistors are annealed a second time in a magnetic field while the TMR films of the other two resistors are not annealed a second time.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally related to a two dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) read head having a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). Both the upper reader and the lower reader have a dual free layer (DFL) MTJ structure between two shields. A synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) soft bias structure bounds the MTJ, and a rear hard bias (RHB) structure is disposed behind the MTJ. The DFL MTJ decreases the distance between the upper and lower reader and hence, improves the area density capacity (ADC). Additionally, the SAF soft bias structures and the rear head bias structure cause the dual free layer MTJ to have a scissor state magnetic moment at the media facing surface (MFS).

Abstract: A data storage device includes a data storage medium having a data storage surface. The data storage device also includes a first actuator having a first attached slider with a writer configured to write data on the data storage surface. The writer has a media-confronting surface covered by a first non-magnetic overcoat having a first thickness. The data storage device further includes a second actuator having a second attached slider with at least one user-data reader configured to read user data from the data storage surface and no writer for writing data on the data storage surface. The at least one user-data reader has a media-confronting surface covered by a second non-magnetic overcoat having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness of the first non-magnetic overcoat.

Abstract: A low-noise magnetoresistive sensor includes a substrate and an array of magnetic modulation structures on the substrate. The structure includes upper and lower soft ferromagnetic layers and a conductive metal layer in the middle. The two ends of the structure are connected to form a two-port excitation coil. Adjacent structures have opposite current directions. A magnetoresistive sensing unit is located above or below and is centered in the gap between the structures. The sensitive direction of the sensing units is perpendicular to a long direction of the structures. An array of sensing units is electrically connected to form a magnetoresistive sensor, and the sensor is connected to the sensor bond pads. When measuring an external magnetic field, an excitation current is applied to the excitation coil, and the output of the voltage or current signal of the magnetoresistive sensor is demodulated to produce a low-noise voltage signal.

Abstract: Memory cells and method of forming thereof are presented. The method includes forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element which includes a fixed magnetic layer, a tunneling barrier layer and a composite free magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic layer includes an insertion layer between first and second free magnetic layers. The insertion layer includes an oxide or oxidized layer. The insertion layer increases the overall thickness of the free layer, decreasing switching current as well as thermal stability. The oxidized layer may be MgO or HfOx. A surface layer may be provided over the oxide or oxidized layer to further enhance magnetic anisotropy to further decrease switching current. The surface layer is Ta, Ti or Hf.

Abstract: A hybrid read head structure for two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) in a disk drive has two stacked current-perpendicular-to-the plane magnetoresistive (CPP-MR) read heads or sensors substantially aligned with one another in the along-the track direction to enable both sensors to read data from the same data track. The structure is a hybrid structure formed on the disk drive slider with the lower sensor being a dual free layer (DFL) or scissoring type of CPP-MR sensor and the upper sensor being a single free layer (SFL) type of CPP-MR sensor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a magneto-resistive stack of ferromagnetic and non-magnetic layers formed on a common substrate. The integrated circuit includes at least a first magneto-resistive sensor element provided by a first section of the magneto-resistive stack, at least a second magneto-resistive sensor element provided by a separate second section of the magneto-resistive stack, and a shield element provided by a separate third section of the magneto-resistive stack between the first and the second section. The shield element is configured to operate as an electric shield between the at least one first and the at least one second magneto-resistive sensor elements.

Abstract: A tape head writer yoke pole tip and a substrate ground plane are electrically coupled by an electrically conductive wear layer disposed over the pole tip and the ground plane at the tape bearing surface. A magnetic tape is transported across the tape head and wears away the wear layer. It is identified when a circuit that includes the pole tip, the wear layer, and the ground plane becomes open, and the amount of tape travel until the open circuit occurred is transmitted to a host computer for determination of a tape abrasivity measure as a function of the amount of tape travel. The write element can be used for write operations while the wear layer is present, and after the wear layer has been worn away.

Abstract: Memory cells and method of forming thereof are presented. The method includes forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element which includes a fixed magnetic layer, a tunneling barrier layer and a composite free magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic layer includes an insertion layer between first and second free magnetic layers. The insertion layer includes an oxide or oxidized layer. The insertion layer increases the overall thickness of the free layer, decreasing switching current as well as thermal stability. The oxidized layer may be MgO or HfOx. A surface layer may be provided over the oxide or oxidized layer to further enhance magnetic anisotropy to further decrease switching current. The surface layer is Ta, Ti or Hf.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic sensor structure, a magnetic shield having at least one laminate pair comprising a magnetic layer and an electrically conductive nonmagnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the sensor structure and the magnetic shield. In another general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic tunnel junction sensor structure, and a magnetic shield having at least two laminate pairs, each pair comprising a magnetic layer and an electrically conductive nonmagnetic layer. A deposition thickness of the nonmagnetic layer in each laminate pair is about 10% or less of a total deposition thickness of the laminate pair.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a module, and a plurality of tunnel valve read transducers arranged in an array extending along the module. Each of the tunnel valve read transducers includes: a sensor structure, an upper magnetic shield, a lower magnetic shield, an upper conducting spacer layer between the sensor structure and the upper magnetic shield, a lower conducting spacer layer between the sensor structure and the lower magnetic shield, and electrically insulating layers on opposite sides of the sensor structure. The sensor structure includes a cap layer, a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer, a reference layer and an antiferromagnetic layer. Moreover, a height of the free layer measured in a direction perpendicular to a media bearing surface of the module is less than a width of the free layer measured in a cross-track direction perpendicular to an intended direction of media travel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a calibration assembly includes an outer layer having at least one calibration trench extending along a y-axis, and an encapsulation layer within the calibration trench. The encapsulation layer has a plurality of nanoparticles spaced apart along said y-axis of said at least one calibration trench. Each of said plurality of nanoparticles are provided at known y-axis locations in said calibration trench, and each of the plurality of nanoparticles have a known magnetic property.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a current perpendicular to plane magnetic read transducer having a sensor and only a single magnetic shield. In another general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic read transducer having a sensor, a first magnetic shield, and a second magnetic shield. A portion of the second magnetic shield aligned with the sensor in an intended direction of tape travel thereacross has a thickness along the intended direction that is about 50% or less than a thickness of a portion of the first magnetic shield aligned in the intended direction with the portion of the second magnetic shield.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes at least two modules, each of the modules having an array of transducers, wherein the at least two modules are fixed relative to each other, wherein an axis of each array is defined between opposite ends thereof, wherein the axes of the arrays are oriented about parallel to each other, wherein the array of a first of the modules is offset from the array of a second of the modules in a first direction parallel to the axis of the array of the second module such that the transducers of the first module are about aligned with the transducers of the second module in an intended direction of tape travel thereacross; and a mechanism for orienting the modules about an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the arrays reside to control a transducer pitch presented to a tape.

Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including a first shield, a plurality of read sensors, and a second shield. The read sensors are between the first shield and the second shield. The read sensors have a plurality of widths in a track width direction and are separated by at least one distance in a down track direction. The down track direction is perpendicular to the track width direction.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic sensor structure, a magnetic shield having at least one laminate pair comprising a magnetic layer and an electrically nonconductive nonmagnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the sensor structure and the magnetic shield. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a sensor structure and a magnetic shield having a conductive portion and a nonconductive portion, the nonconductive portion having at least one laminate pair comprising a magnetic layer and an electrically nonconductive nonmagnetic layer.

Abstract: A reader includes top and bottom reader stacks that are offset relative to each other in a downtrack direction and disposed between a top shield and a bottom shield. Top side shields surround the top reader stack in a crosstrack direction, and bottom side shields surround the bottom reader stack in the crosstrack direction. A middle shield is between the top and bottom reader stacks and the top and bottom side shields. The middle shield includes a common electrical conductive path coupled to the top and bottom reader stacks. A middle lead is coupled to an edge of the middle shield.

Abstract: An apparatus for two-dimensional magnetic recording includes a storage medium, an array of magnetoresistive read heads disposed adjacent the storage medium and spaced to read a data track, wherein the array of magnetoresistive read heads share a common terminal, a number of leads connected to the array of magnetoresistive read heads, with one lead for each of the magnetoresistive read heads, plus a common lead connected to the common terminal, wherein each of the plurality of leads other than the at least one common lead are referenced to the at least one common lead, and a preamplifier connected to the array of magnetoresistive read heads by the plurality of leads and operable to perform pseudo-differential sensing or single-ended sensing of signals from the array of magnetoresistive read heads.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a stacked dual reader with a bottom sensor stack and a top sensor stack separated by a top mid-shield and a bottom mid-shield, and a pre-amplifier circuit comprising a top lead connected to the top mid-shield, configured to collect current flowing from the top mid-shield through the top sensor stack opposite a direction of current flowing from the bottom mid-shield to a bottom lead through the bottom sensor stack.

Abstract: A magnetic head of an embodiment includes: a first electrode being a magnetic body having a magnetic shielding property; a first signal detector disposed on the first electrode and being a differential magnetoresistive effect element; a second electrode disposed on the first signal detector; an insulating layer disposed on the second electrode; a third electrode disposed on the insulating layer; a second signal detector disposed on the third electrode and being a differential magnetoresistive effect element; and a fourth electrode disposed on the second signal detector and being a magnetic body having a magnetic shielding property. At least one of the second electrode and the third electrode is a nonmagnetic metal.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a magnetic recording head with at least two separately addressable read transducers that are coplanar in a cross track direction. The apparatus includes first coplanar electrical contacts respectively disposed on and in electrical contact with first surfaces of the at least two read transducers and an electrically insulating magnetic material disposed between the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having an array of transducers. An axis of the array is defined between outermost ones of the transducers. The transducers are arranged in at least two clusters of adjacent transducers, and the transducers in each respective cluster have about a same transducer pitch. A gap is defined between proximally adjacent clusters. A width of the gap measured along the axis of the array is greater than the transducer pitch of one of the clusters. An electrical lapping guide (ELG) located in the gap or aligned with the gap orthogonally to the axis.

Abstract: A two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) read head has upper and lower read sensors wherein the lower read sensor has its magnetization biased by side shields of soft magnetic material. The center shield between the lower and upper sensors may be an antiparallel structure (APS) with two ferromagnetic layers separated by an antiparallel coupling (APC) layer. The center shield has a central region and two side regions, but there is no antiferromagnetic (AF) layer in the central region. Instead the two side regions of the upper ferromagnetic layer in the APS are pinned by AF tab layers that are electrically isolated from the upper sensor. The upper ferromagnetic layer and the APC layer in the APS may also be located only in the side regions. The thickness of the center shield can thus be made thinner, which reduces the free layer to free layer spacing.

Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer having an air-bearing surface (ABS). The method provides a first read sensor stack and defines a first read sensor in a stripe height direction from the first read sensor stack. The stripe height direction is perpendicular to the ABS. A shield is provided on the first read sensor stack and in a down track direction from the first read sensor stack. A second read sensor stack is provided. The shield is between the first read sensor and the second read sensor stack in the down track direction. Both the first read sensor and the second read sensor are defined from the first read sensor stack and from the second read sensor stack, respectively, in a cross-track direction. The cross-track direction is substantially perpendicular to the down track direction and substantially perpendicular to the stripe height direction.

Abstract: A dual-stack read sensor is utilized in a storage device having an actuator arm that positions the read sensor over a rotating storage medium. The dual-stacked read sensor includes a primary read sensor having a first set of read sensor characteristics and a secondary read sensor having a second set of read sensor characteristics that differ from the first set of read sensor characteristics, wherein the secondary read sensor is positioned relative to the primary read sensor to be radially offset from the primary read sensor relative to a data track being read.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes an inner module comprising an array of data writers; and first and second outer modules flanking the inner module. The outer modules are identical, each outer module comprising an array of data readers. A number of active data readers in each outer module is less than a number of active data writers in the inner module. For the first outer module, one of the active data readers is aliened with one of the data writers positioned towards a first end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross. For the second outer module, one of the active data readers is aligned with one of the data writers positioned towards a second end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an apparatus having a sensor with an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the active tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a refractory material. Other embodiments relate to an apparatus having a sensor with an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a modified region at a media facing side thereof, the modified region being at least one of nonconductive and mechanically hardened.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a lower shield layer positioned at a media-facing surface of the magnetic head, at least two magnetoresistive (MR) elements positioned above the lower shield layer, each MR element extending in an element height direction away from the media-facing surface of the magnetic head, back wiring layers positioned above at least one lower layer of each of the MR elements at a position away from the media-facing surface of the magnetic head in the element height direction, wherein the back wiring layers are configured to electrically communicate with the MR elements and configured to separately extract signals from each MR element during a read operation, and an upper shield layer positioned above the MR elements that is configured to electrically communicate with the MR elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for two dimensional data reading. In accordance with some embodiments, a magnetic read element has a plurality of read sensors positioned symmetrically about a pivot point with at least two of the read sensors configured to concurrently read two dimensional user data while being immune to skew angle misalignment.

Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including first and second read sensors, a shield and a conductive via. The shield is between the first and second read sensors. In one aspect, the magnetic transducer also includes first and second read shields. In this aspect, the first read shield has a read shield aperture. The conductive via extends through the read shield aperture, provides electrical contact to the shield and is insulated from the first read shield. In another aspect, the shield has first and second shield layers separated by an insulating layer. In this aspect, the second shield layer has an aperture therein. The conductive via extends through this aperture, provides electrical contact to the first shield layer and is insulated from the second shield layer.

Abstract: A read head with two read sensors enables reading of a magnetically recorded medium of increased areal densities such as would be provided by two-dimensional magnetic recording. The two sensors, which may be formed in separate depositions, are arranged vertically relative to each other as top and bottom sensors, with a downtrack displacement between them that is less than 900 A and a crosstrack displacement that is less than 600 A. Their separate free layers are connected by four or three conducting leads and require no junctions for their connections. In one embodiment each sensor has separate top and bottom shields and leads. In another embodiment, there is a common shield and lead between the two sensors, but a separate top shield/lead for the top sensor and bottom shield/lead for the bottom sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for two dimensional data reading. In accordance with some embodiments, a magnetic read element has a plurality of read sensors positioned symmetrically about a pivot point with at least two of the read sensors configured to concurrently read two dimensional user data while being immune to skew angle misalignment.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head comprises an inner module comprising an array of data readers; and first and second outer modules flanking the inner module. The outer modules are identical, each outer module comprising an array of data writers. A number of active data writers in each outer module is less than a number of active data readers in the inner module. For the first outer module, one of the active data writers is aligned with one of the data reader positioned towards a first end of the inner module array in a direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross. For the second outer module, one of the active data writers is aligned with one of the data readers positioned towards a second end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a read sensor for a recording head for a magnetic media storage system, has first and second shields, and a magneto-resistive sensor disposed between and shielded by the first and second shields in which the sensing axis of the sensor is tilted with respect to the recording surface of the head. In one embodiment, the sensing axis is oriented at an angle between 10 and 60 degrees with respect to the normal of the recording surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing magnetic domains in a patterned media that includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element in electrical communication with the first sensing element. The first sensing element has an output voltage lead and the second sensing element has an output voltage lead. The patterned media may be a bit patterned media or a track patterned media.

Abstract: An electrical lap guide having a first layer, the first layer including a material having a first resistivity, the first layer having first and second contact regions for electrically connecting the electrical lap guide to electrical leads; a second layer, the second layer including a material having a second resistivity, wherein the electrical lapping guide has a lapping axis and a layered axis, the layered axis being perpendicular to the lapping axis, the electrical lapping guide has an air bearing plane, the air bearing plane being perpendicular to the lapping axis, the second layer is disposed adjacent to a portion of the first layer in the direction of the layered axis, and the first layer extends farther in the lapping axis than does the second layer.

Abstract: A station for performing a lapping method to achieve tight dimension controls for both read and write elements of magnetic recording heads is disclosed. A recording head having a read head stripe height and a write head throat height is lapped using a plurality of lapping forces. At least one of the plurality of lapping forces includes a torque force. A lapping wedge angle is controlled using at least one torque force, which controls the offset between the recording head read head stripe height and the write head throat height.

Abstract: A magnetic head comprises identical, opposing modules each comprising an array of paired data transducers, the transducers including data readers, data writers, or combinations thereof. For each array, the transducers in each subset may have about the same center to center spacing. A first subset of the transducers is operable for reading or writing data in a first tape format. A second subset of the transducers is operable for reading or writing data in a second tape format, with at least some of the transducers being present in both subsets. Also, each module includes a lone writer at one end of one of the subsets, a lone reader at an opposite end of the one of the subsets, and servo readers positioned outside the array.

Abstract: A multi-channel thin-film magnetic head includes a substrate, a plurality of MR read head elements, a plurality of first resistive elements, and a second resistive element. Each MR read head element includes a lower magnetic shield layer, an upper magnetic shield layer, and an MR layer arranged between the lower magnetic shield layer and the upper magnetic shield layer. Each first resistive element has a first resistance value. One ends of the first resistive elements are connected to the lower magnetic shield layers or the upper magnetic shield layers of the MR read head elements, respectively. The second resistive element has a second resistance value that is higher than the first resistance value. One end of the second resistive element is commonly connected to the other ends of the plurality of first resistive elements. The other end of the second resistive element is grounded.

Abstract: Provided is a differential type reproduction head which can obtain a preferable bit error rate without causing a baseline shift even when two magnetoresistive elements have different maximum resistance change amounts. The differential type reproduction head has a layered structure formed by a first magnetoresistive element having a first free layer, a differential gap layer, and a second magnetoresistive element having a second free layer. When DR1 and DR2 are the maximum resistance change amounts of the first magnetoresistive element and the second magnetoresistive element, respectively, HB1 is a magnetic domain control field applied to the first free layer, and HB2 is a magnetic domain control field applied to the second free layer, the following relationships are satisfied: HB1>HB2 when DR1>DR2; HB2>HB1 when DR2>DR1.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor having at least a first and at least a second structure of soft-magnetic material that are spatially separated and define a first gap therebetween. The first and second structure of soft-magnetic material are adapted to form a gap magnetic field pointing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongation of the first gap in the vicinity of the first gap in response to an external magnetic field. Additionally, the magnetic sensor comprises at least a first magnetoresistive layered structure that is positioned in the vicinity of the first gap including inside the first gap and that is sensitive to the gap magnetic field.

Abstract: A multi-channel head includes a substrate, a plurality of write elements arranged in a track width direction above the substrate in a lamination direction, and a plurality of read elements arranged in the track width direction above the plurality of write elements in the lamination direction. At least one of the plurality of write elements is offset from the others in the lamination direction. All the plurality of read elements are located higher than an uppermost one of the plurality of write elements in the lamination direction.

Abstract: Provided is a multichannel thin-film magnetic head having a plurality of read head elements neighboring with each other, each of which includes shield layers having a desired stable magnetic-domain structure. The head comprises at least one read head part comprising a plurality of read head elements aligned in the track width direction, wherein each of the plurality of read head elements comprises a lower shield layer and an upper shield layer, and the at least one read head part comprises: a lower shield part comprising a plurality of the lower shield layers aligned in the track width direction; and an upper shield part comprising a plurality of the upper shield layers aligned in the track width direction, and wherein dummy shield layers are provided respectively on both sides of at least the lower shield part.

Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes magnetic media containing magnetic domain tracks; and at least one head for reading from the magnetic media, each head having: a first Extraordinary Magentoresistive (EMR) device for detecting magnetic fields of a first magnetic domain track; a second EMR device for detecting magnetic fields of a second magnetic domain track. The system further includes a slider for supporting the head; and a control unit coupled to the head for controlling operation of the head. A system according to another embodiment includes a first Extraordinary Magnetoresistive (EMR) device for detecting magnetic fields of a magnetic domain of interest. A system according to yet another embodiment includes an Extraordinary Magnetoresistive (EMR) device for deriving servoing information.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a single substrate, a conventional GMR element formed of a spin-valve film including a single-layer-pinned fixed magnetization layer, and a SAF element formed of a synthetic spin-valve film including a plural-layer-pinned fixed magnetization layer. When the spin-valve film intended to act as the conventional GMR element and the synthetic spin-valve film intended to act as the SAF element are subjected to the application of a magnetic field oriented in a single direction at a high temperature, they become giant magnetoresistive elements whose magnetic-field-detecting directions are antiparallel to each other. Since films intended to act as the conventional GMR element and the SAF element can be disposed close to each other, the magnetic sensor which has giant magnetoresistive elements whose magnetic-field-detecting directions are antiparallel to each other can be small.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head substrate includes a plurality of head element portions having read elements and write elements in rows. Adjacent head element portions interpose a read monitor element and a write monitor element that are used as element resistance monitors for the read element and the write element when a lapping process is performed to form a medium-facing surface on the head element portion. A common electrode terminal is connected with the read monitor element and the write monitor element. A pair of individual electrode terminals are each connected to the read monitor element and the write monitor element, respectively.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head has a plurality of MR read head elements. Each MR read head element includes shield layers electrically insulated from the ground. An electrical resistor layer is electrically connected between the shield layer of one of the plurality of MR read head elements and the shield layer of the other one of the plurality of MR read head elements.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a plurality of generally laterally positioned readers, each reader having a sensor, a lower shield below the sensor, an upper shield above the sensor, and a gap defined between the shields. At least one of the readers has a thicker gap than another of the readers. Methods for making such heads are also presented.