Abstract: A read sensor having a bearing surface and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer recessed from the bearing surface. The read sensor includes a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure over the AFM layer. The SAF structure includes a recessed lower pinned layer, an upper pinned layer, a reference layer and a stabilization feature. The stabilization feature may include deliberate reduction of the antiferromagnetic coupling energy density between the upper pinned layer and the reference layer, so that it becomes lower than the first energy density of antiferromagnetic coupling between the upper pinned layer and the lower pinned layer. The stabilization feature may alternatively include an intermediate pinned layer between the lower pinned layer and the upper pinned layer. The intermediate pinned layer is antiferromagnetically coupled to both the lower pinned layer and the upper pinned layer, and at least a portion of the intermediate pinned layer is recessed behind the bearing surface.

Abstract: A data reader may have a magnetoresistive stack positioned on an air bearing surface and consisting of at least a magnetically free structure that continuously extends from the air bearing surface with a first stripe height. A side shield can be separated from the magnetoresistive stack on the ABS and configured with a first magnetic layer having the first stripe height and a second magnetic layer having a third stripe height from the air bearing surface with the third stripe height being greater than the first stripe height. The side shield can be anti-ferromagnetically biased by a synthetic antiferromagnetic top shield structure that contacts the side shield through a transition metal material layer. The first stripe height can be configured to match a magnetically free layer of the magnetoresistive stack and the second stripe height can be configured to match a magnetically fixed layer of the magnetoresistive stack.

Abstract: An apparatus may be constructed with a magnetic element, such as a data transducing head. A first permanent magnet may be configured to bias the write pole to decrease remnant magnetization and erasure after write (EAW). The first permanent magnet can be separated from the write pole be a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method provides a magnetic element, such as a data transducing head. A first permanent magnet may be configured to bias the write pole to decrease remnant magnetization and erasure after write (EAW). The first permanent magnet can be separated from the write pole be a predetermined distance.