Abstract: A narrow track width read sensor having a high magnetoresistive sensitivity is made using a self-aligned process which requires the use of only a single resist mask. A plurality of sensor layers which includes a top layer of noble metal is deposited over a substrate. Optionally, a central protective barrier which is conductive or reactive-ion-etchable is formed over these sensor layers. After forming a resist mask in the central region, first lead layers are deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. Using the resist mask, ion milling is performed such that the first lead layers and sensor layers in the end regions are substantially removed but sensor layers in the central region remain, to thereby form a read sensor having lead overlays on the edges thereof. Hard bias and second lead layers are then deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask.

Abstract: A side-by-side read/write head includes a self-aligned trailing shield, where a rear edge of the trailing shield is defined by the same lithography/etching process used to define a rear edge of a read sensor. A plurality of read sensor layers and a pole tip structure adjacent the read sensor layers are formed over a wafer. A non-magnetic layer is deposited over the pole tip structure. A patterned resist is then formed over both the read sensor layers and the non-magnetic layer. With the patterned resist in place, read sensor materials of the read sensor layers are etched away so as to define the rear edge of the read sensor. Non-magnetic materials of the non-magnetic layer are simultaneously etched away so as to form an etched region which defines the rear edge for the trailing shield.

Abstract: A three terminal magnetic sensor (TTM) has a base region, a collector region which is adjacent the base region, an emitter region, and a barrier region which separates the emitter region from the base region. A sensing plane is defined along sides of the base region, the collector region, and the emitter region. An insulator layer is offset from the sensing plane and adjacent the collector region and the base region. A metal layer is offset from the sensing plane and in-plane and in contact with magnetic materials of the base region. This metal layer advantageously reduces an electrical resistance of the base region, which reduces signal noise in the TTM. Preferably, the metal layer has an electrical resistivity of less than 10 ??-centimeter (e.g. copper, gold, or ruthenium). The TTM may comprise a spin valve transistor (SVT), a magnetic tunnel transistor (MTT), or a double junction structure.

Abstract: In one illustrative example disclosed, a method for use in making a magnetic head involves forming a thermal-assist heater for the magnetic head; forming a plurality of coil layers of a write coil using a damascene process; and simultaneously forming an electrical connection to the thermal-assist heater in the same damascene process used to form the write coil. Advantageously, fabrication steps are reduced using a parallel process that provides for relatively small dimensions and reduces the possibility of electrical shorting. The method may be alternatively used to form an electrical connection to any other suitable electrical device for the magnetic head, such as an electrical lapping guide (ELG) or other component.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for a data storage device includes a pole piece layer; a pole tip structure formed over the pole piece layer; a trailing shield formed at least in part along an air bearing surface (ABS) of the magnetic head adjacent the pole tip structure; a non-magnetic gap layer formed between the trailing shield and the pole tip structure; a yoke structure formed over at least part of the trailing shield; and a notch formed in the yoke structure adjacent the pole tip structure. Advantageously, the notch reduces magnetic flux otherwise drawn by the yoke structure in the region directly adjacent the pole tip structure. A method of making the magnetic head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic head for thermally-assisted writing of data to a disk is disclosed. In one illustrative example, the magnetic head includes a write head element and a heating element which is a resistive infared radiator. The heating element is coupled to at least one via pad which is exposed on an outer surface of the magnetic head. This via pad may be the same pad utilized for the write head element or for a read sensor. The heating element is formed beneath or within the pole tip such that it is able to transfer heat to a portion of the disk before the write head element can write data to it Advantageously, the heater facilitates the writing of data to high coercivity media.

Abstract: A narrow track width read sensor having a high magnetoresistive sensitivity is made using a self-aligned process which requires the use of only a single resist mask. A plurality of sensor layers is deposited over a substrate. After forming a resist mask in the central region, first lead layers are deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. Using the resist mask, ion milling is performed such that the first lead layers and sensor layers in the end regions are substantially removed but sensor layers in the central region remain, to thereby form a read sensor having lead overlays on the edges thereof. Hard bias and second lead layers are then deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. After the resist mask is removed, the top of the read sensor may be oxidized through an exposure to oxygen plasma.

Abstract: A magnetic head for thermally-assisted writing of data to a disk is disclosed. In one illustrative example, the magnetic head includes a write head element and a heating element which is a resistive infared radiator. The heating element is coupled to at least one via pad which is exposed on an outer surface of the magnetic head. This via pad may be the same pad utilized for the write head element or for a read sensor. The heating element is formed beneath or within the pole tip such that it is able to transfer heat to a portion of the disk before the write head element can write data to it Advantageously, the heater facilitates the writing of data to high coercivity media.

Abstract: A magnetic head for thermally-assisted writing of data to a disk is disclosed. In one illustrative example, the magnetic head includes a write head element and a heating element which is a resistive infared radiator. The heating element is coupled to at least one via pad which is exposed on an outer surface of the magnetic head. This via pad may be the same pad utilized for the write head element or for a read sensor. The heating element is formed beneath or within the pole tip such that it is able to transfer heat to a portion of the disk before the write head element can write data to it Advantageously, the heater facilitates the writing of data to high coercivity media.

Abstract: A narrow track width read sensor having a high magnetoresistive sensitivity is made using a self-aligned process which requires the use of only a single resist mask. A plurality of sensor layers which includes a top layer of noble metal is deposited over a substrate. Optionally, a central protective barrier which is conductive or reactive-ion-etchable is formed over these sensor layers. After forming a resist mask in the central region, first lead layers are deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. Using the resist mask, ion milling is performed such that the first lead layers and sensor layers in the end regions are substantially removed but sensor layers in the central region remain, to thereby form a read sensor having lead overlays on the edges thereof. Hard bias and second lead layers are then deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask.

Abstract: A spin valve transistor (SVT) for a magnetic head and a method of making the same are described. A slider of a disk drive is formed of a semiconductor material, such as silicon. A free layer is formed over the semiconductor material and a magnetic pinned layer is formed over a portion of the free layer. The free layer has an edge that is substantially flush with an air bearing surface (ABS) between the magnetic head and the disk, whereas the magnetic pinned layer has an edge that is recessed away from the ABS. Advantageously, since the free layer serves as a flux guiding structure for the sensor, the sensor has a thinner profile at the ABS to accommodate higher recording densities.