Abstract: A lateral spin valve reader and fabrication method thereof. The method includes forming an injector, a detector and a common channel layer that extends from the injector to the detector. The method also includes forming a first channel layer between the common channel layer and at least one of the injector or the detector with the first channel layer in contact with the common channel layer, thereby providing an interface between the first channel layer and the common channel layer.

Abstract: A data reader may be configured at least with a magnetic stack that has a first magnetic layer separated from a second magnetic layer by a non-magnetic spacer layer. The first magnetic layer may have an areal extent on an air bearing surface (ABS) that differs from the second magnetic layer while the second magnetic layer can be configured with a first plurality of linear sidewalls that are each angled with respect to a second plurality of linear sidewalls of the first magnetic layer.

Abstract: A data reader may be configured at least with a magnetic stack that has a first magnetic layer separated from a second magnetic layer by a non-magnetic spacer layer. The first magnetic layer may have an areal extent on an air bearing surface (ABS) that differs from the second magnetic layer while the second magnetic layer can be configured with a first plurality of linear sidewalls that are each angled with respect to a second plurality of linear sidewalls of the first magnetic layer.

Abstract: Magnetic elements having unique shapes. In one example, the magnetic element defines an outer peripheral profile and a center point, wherein the outer peripheral profile includes a substantially curviform section and a notch section. The notch section may be configured to radially extend to at least the center point. In another example, a substantially circular or oval-shaped magnetic element defines an outer periphery and a gap void having an open end facing the outer periphery so as to form a gap along the outer periphery. The magnetic element optionally may not include an annular void that is spatially isolated from the gap void.

Abstract: There are disclosed magnetic elements having unique shapes. In one example, the magnetic element defines an outer peripheral profile and a center point, wherein the outer peripheral profile includes a substantially curviform section and a notch section. The notch section may be configured to radially extend to at least the center point. In another example, a substantially circular or oval-shaped magnetic element defines an outer periphery and a gap void having an open end facing the outer periphery so as to form a gap along the outer periphery. The magnetic element optionally may not include an annular void that is spatially isolated from the gap void.

Abstract: Magnetic elements having unique shapes. In one example, the magnetic element defines an outer peripheral profile and a center point, wherein the outer peripheral profile includes a substantially curviform section and a notch section. The notch section may be configured to radially extend to at least the center point. In another example, a substantially circular or oval-shaped magnetic element defines an outer periphery and a gap void having an open end facing the outer periphery so as to form a gap along the outer periphery. The magnetic element optionally may not include an annular void that is spatially isolated from the gap void.