Abstract: A device that includes a sensor stack, the sensor stack including a reference layer, a free layer and a barrier layer positioned between the reference layer and the free layer; a seed layer; and a cap layer, wherein the sensor stack is positioned between the seed layer and the cap layer, and wherein at least one of the seed layer or the cap layer includes TaX, wherein X is selected from Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor has a bottom shield layer, an upper shield layer, and a sensor stack adjacent the upper shield layer. The sensor includes a seed layer between the bottom shield layer and an antiferromagnetic layer of the sensor stack. The seed layer has a magnetic layer adjacent the sensor stack and a nonmagnetic layer adjacent the bottom shield layer.

Abstract: A stack having a seed layer structure with a first part having a first cross-track width and a free layer deposited over the seed layer structure and with a second cross-track width, wherein the first cross-track width is greater than the second cross-track width. In one implementation, the seed layer structure further comprises an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer and a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) layer. In one alternate implementation, the cross-track width of the seed layer structure is substantially equal to the combined cross-track width of the free layer and cross-track width of two permanent magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic shield for a magnetoresistive (MR) reader has one or more lateral hard magnets and a ferromagnetic shielding layer with at least one hard sub-magnet in a lateral notch in the shielding layer. The notch allows the shielding layer to contact the sub-magnet on surfaces along multiple normal planes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor stack, first and second shields positioned on opposite sides of the sensor stack, and a first shield stabilization structure adjacent to the first shield and applying a bias magnetic field to the first shield. A second shield stabilization structure can be positioned adjacent to the second shield.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) reader is adjacent to at least one shield that extends from an air bearing surface (ABS) a first distance. The shield has a stabilizing feature that is contactingly adjacent the MR reader and extends from the ABS a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A magnetic shield that is capable of enhancing magnetic reading. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic element has a magnetically responsive stack shielded from magnetic flux and biased to a predetermined default magnetization by at least one lateral side shield that has a transition metal layer disposed between first and second ferromagnetic layers.

Abstract: A magnetic shield for a magnetoresistive (MR) reader has one or more lateral hard magnets and a ferromagnetic shielding layer with at least one hard sub-magnet in a lateral notch in the shielding layer. The notch allows the shielding layer to contact the sub-magnet on surfaces along multiple normal planes.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor assembly includes first and second shields each comprised of a magnetic material. The first and second shields define a physical shield-to-shield spacing. A sensor stack is disposed between the first and second shields and includes a seed layer adjacent the first shield, a cap layer adjacent the second shield, and a magnetic sensor between the seed layer and the cap layer. At least a portion of the seed layer and/or the cap layer comprises a magnetic material to provide an effective shield-to-shield spacing of the magnetic sensor assembly that is less than the physical shield-to-shield spacing.