Abstract: The embodiments disclosed generally relate to a magnetic read head having a recessed antiferromagnetic layer and a recessed pinned magnetic layer. The recessed pinned magnetic layer is only partially recessed from the MFS, but the recess amount is the same amount as the antiferromagnetic layer. The recess is between about 50 nm and about 200 nm. Processing the pinned magnetic layer and the antiferromagnetic layer and its seed layers at an oblique angle results in an increase in the anisotropy field.

Abstract: A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor, like a CPP MR disk drive read head, has an improved insulating structure surrounding the stack of layers making up the sensor. The sensor has a first silicon nitride layer with a thickness between about 1 and 5 nm on the side edges of the sensor and on regions of the bottom shield layer adjacent the sensor below the sensor's ferromagnetic biasing layer. The sensor has a second silicon nitride layer with a thickness between about 2 and 5 nm on the back edge of the sensor and on the region of the bottom shield layer adjacent the sensor back edge, and a substantially thicker metal oxide layer on the second silicon nitride layer. The insulating structure prevents edge damage at the perimeter of the sensor and thus allows for the fabrication of CPP MR read heads with substantially smaller dimensions.