Abstract: A magnetic head device includes a TMR sensor or a CPP GMR sensor. Shield layers are disposed in contact with the top and bottom of a sensor body. A sensing current is supplied to the sensor body through the shield layers. Lead layers are connected to the shield layers and extend to below conductive pads. Ends of the lead layers are electrically connected to the conductive pads via lifting layers. Heat-conducting layers are disposed below the ends of the lead layers. An insulating layer is formed between the heat-conducting layers and an end surface of a slider body to such a thickness that it does not obstruct heat transfer. Heat applied from a molten solder to the lead layers is released to the slider body through the heat-conducting layers. This prevents the shield layers from being heated to high temperature.

Abstract: A wrap around shield of a write head is fabricated in multiple processes, with side shields fabricated in one process, and a trailing shield formed in another process. These multiple processes form a stitched wrap around shield, resulting in more flexible and accurate placement of the trailing shield and side shields with respect to the write pole. These processes also independently form the dimensions (shapes and sizes) of the side shields and the trailing shield which allows better control of writeability, saturation, and adjacent track interference of the perpendicular recording write head.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording write head supported on an air-bearing slider has a magnetic write pole (WP) with a WP end at the air-bearing surface (ABS) having a width generally equal to the data track width and a trailing shield (TS) with a TS end generally coplanar with the WP end. The TS has a first portion with a width at the TS end substantially wider than the width of the WP end and a TS notch (TSN) portion with a width at the TS end generally equal to the width of the WP end. The TS first portion has a height in a direction perpendicular to the ABS, and the TSN portion has a throat height (TH) in a direction perpendicular to the ABS that is less than the height of the TS first portion. A nonmagnetic gap layer separates the WP from the TSN portion and a nonmagnetic pad layer separates the WP from the TS first portion.

Abstract: To provide a perpendicular magnetic recording head which can suppress side fringing while keeping the recording magnetic field intensity from decreasing. In a perpendicular magnetic recording head comprising a main magnetic pole layer and a return yoke layer which are laminated with a magnetic gap layer interposed therebetween on a medium-opposing surface, and a pair of side shield layers positioned on both sides in the track width direction of the main magnetic pole layer while interposing a nonmagnetic material layer therebetween, the magnetic gap layer is constituted by a first gap layer formed in a partial area in the track width direction bridging the main magnetic pole layer and the pair of side shield layers, and a second gap layer thinner than the first gap layer and interposed between the return yoke layer and the pair of side shield layers in a remaining area where the first gap layer is absent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention avoid erasure of recorded data by concentrating stray fields on a magnetic head element. According to one embodiment, in a magnetic storage apparatus using a perpendicular recording medium with a soft magnetic under layer, a soft magnetic shield is provided so as to surround the upper parts and sides of magnetic head elements. A distance between the soft magnetic shield and the medium is shorter than that between the soft magnetic shield and the magnetic head element.

Abstract: Improved writability and a reduction in adjacent track erasure are achieved in a PMR writer with a large flare angle of 45 and 90 degrees in the main write pole and a full side shield or partial side shield configuration around the narrow write pole section and write pole tip. A trailing shield is formed above the write pole's top surface and a full or partial side shield section is spaced a certain distance from each side of the write pole. The partial side shield has a thickness less than that of the write pole and a top or bottom surface about coplanar with the pole tip's top or bottom edge, respectively. The partial side shield may include two sections on each side of the write pole wherein the bottom surface of a top section is separated by a certain distance from the top surface of a bottom section.

Abstract: Improved writability and a substantial reduction in adjacent track erasure are achieved by incorporating a composite shield structure in a PMR writer. There is a trailing shield formed a certain distance above the top surface of a write pole, a leading shield formed a certain distance below the bottom surface of the write pole, and a partial side shield having a section formed on each side of the write pole. The partial side shield thickness is less than that of the write pole. Each partial side shield section has a side that is parallel to the nearest write pole side and a top surface that is offset from the write pole top surface by 0 to 0.15 microns. A plurality of magnetic connections between two or more shield elements is employed to ensure correct magnetic potential. The large write pole has a flare angle of 45 to 75 degrees.

Abstract: Write heads and corresponding methods of fabrication are provided using multiple electronic lapping guides to collect information regarding multiple distances of a write head, such as a throat height and a flare point distance of a write pole. A method of fabricating a write head includes fabricating a write pole and a corresponding write pole ELG. The method further includes fabricating a trailing shield and a corresponding trailing shield ELG. The method further includes performing a lapping process on the write head, and monitoring a lapping depth of the lapping process based on the resistance of the write pole ELG and the resistance of the trailing shield ELG.

Abstract: A magnetic head is disclosed having a CPP read head which produces reduced cross-track interference. The CPP read head includes a read sensor, a first shield and a second shield. The second shield has side drapes having an edge portion adjacent to the read sensor. The side drapes include a plurality of laminated layers which discourages formation of closure domains at the edge portions, and thus maintaining the side drapes in a state of high magnetic permeability. The laminated layers each include a magnetic layer and a non-magnetic spacer layer. Also disclosed is an edge closed lamination structure.

Abstract: A bi-layer, floating, trailing shield for use in a perpendicular magnetic recording system and a method for manufacturing such a trailing shield. Manufacturing the trailing shield as a bilayer trailing shield allows certain critical alignments to be maintained during lithography and allows high resolution photolithographic procedures to be used by allowing the use of a thinner resist, especially during construction of the first layer of the bilayer trailing shield structure. A trailing shield according to an embodiment of the invention improves magnetic performance of the write head by canting the magnetic write field from the write pole.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises a reproducing element formed on an undercoat film on a head substrate surface, a recording element formed on the upper side of the reproducing element, and a heater formed on the upper or lower side of the reproducing element, the heater generating heat upon energization so as to project at least the reproducing element by thermal expansion toward a recording medium. A shield layer is formed between the reproducing element and the heater by a plurality of layers including at least first and second shield layers. In the first and second shield layers, the second upper shield layer located closer to the heater is formed by a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than that of the first shield layer located closer to the reproducing element.

Abstract: In a perpendicular magnetic recording head in which a magnetic pole part of a main magnetic pole layer exposed at a medium-opposing surface exhibits a trapezoidal form narrower on the leading edge side than on the trailing edge side, a pair of partial side shield layers made of a soft magnetic material are provided on both sides in the track width direction of the magnetic pole part of the main magnetic pole layer such as to be located more on the leading edge side of the magnetic pole part.

Abstract: In a perpendicular magnetic recording head in which a magnetic pole part of a main magnetic pole layer exposed at a medium-opposing surface exhibits a trapezoidal form narrower at a leading edge than at a trailing edge on the return yoke layer side, a magnetic shield layer having a pair of side shield parts separated at the leading edge so as to oppose both side faces of the magnetic pole part and a bottom shield part magnetically connected to the pair of side shield parts and positioned below the leading edge of the magnetic pole part is provided on the leading edge side in the track width direction of the magnetic pole part of the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: A magnetic data system according to one embodiment includes at least, one reader formed above a substrate, the at least one reader further comprising a shield and a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor. A first circuit sets a voltage (Vsub) of the substrate to about a voltage (Vshield) of the shield of the at least one reader.

Abstract: A magnetic data system according to one embodiment includes a head having a plurality of readers formed above a common substrate, each reader further comprising a shield and a sensor, a bias circuit associated with each reader for passing a bias current through the sensor thereof, wherein the bias circuits are floating. A charge clamp electrically couples each shield to the associated bias circuit. A shield biasing circuit is operatively coupled to each shield for setting a potential of the shield independently of the bias current.

Abstract: A magnetic shield member for a device with a magnetic reader, the magnetic shield member includes a biasing member including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends, the first end configured to be attached within the device with a magnetic reader, the second end configured to face the magnetic reader and a shielding member including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and an arched portion disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the shielding member extends integrally from the second end of the biasing member, the arched portion includes a concave portion which faces the magnetic reader, wherein the shielding member applies a force to conform a document against the magnetic reader and shields the magnetic reader from magnetic interference.

Abstract: In a thin film magnetic head of the present invention, lead formation patterns of a first lead for connection between a lower shield layer and a first extraction electrode portion and a second lead for connection between an upper shield layer and a second extraction electrode portion are each formed so as not to have an overlapping portion with a heatsink layer but to bypass the heatsink layer when observing from the upper shield layer side toward the lower shield layer in a transparent state in plan view. Therefore, it is possible to increase an effect of heat radiation to the substrate side on the basis of the presence of the heatsink layer to thereby limit propagation of heat to a magnetoresistive effect layer as much as possible and further to achieve a drastic improvement in recording and reproducing characteristics at high recording frequencies, i.e. frequency characteristics (f characteristics) in a high frequency region.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head includes a lower magnetic shield layer, an MR multi-layered structure formed on the lower magnetic shield layer so that current flows in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of laminated layers, and an upper magnetic shield layer formed on the MR multi-layered structure. The lower magnetic shield layer consists of a first soft magnetic layer and a second soft magnetic layer laminated on and magnetically connected with the first soft magnetic layer. A part of an upper surface of the first soft magnetic layer outside both side ends in a track-width direction of the MR multi-layered structure is located lower in height than an upper surface within a region where the MR multi-layered structure is formed, of the lower magnetic shield layer. The second soft magnetic layer is formed outside both side ends in a track-width direction of the MR multi-layered structure.

Abstract: A process for forming the write pole of a PMR head is described. This write pole is symmetrically located relative to its side shields, This is accomplished, not through optical alignment, but by coating the pole with a uniform layer of non-magnetic material of a predetermined and precise thickness, followed by the formation of the shield layer around this.

Abstract: A CPP magnetic sensor is disclosed with a ferromagnetic layer that extends in a first direction a first distance; a nonferromagnetic spacer layer that adjoins the ferromagnetic layer and extends in the first direction a second distance that is substantially equal to the first distance; and a ferromagnetic structure that is separated from the ferromagnetic layer by the spacer layer, the ferromagnetic structure having a first section that extends in the first direction a third distance that is substantially equal to the second distance, the ferromagnetic structure having a second section that is disposed further than the first section from the spacer layer, the second section extending at least twice as far as the first section in the first direction. The ferromagnetic structure can be used for in-stack bias or pinning of free or pinned layers, respectively, and side shields can be provided for high areal density.

Abstract: A magnetic shield for use in a magnetic head. The magnetic shield has a magnetic anisotropy associated with a magnetic easy axis of magnetization oriented substantially parallel with the air bearing surface. The magnetic anisotropy of the shield is induced by an anisotropic surface texture. This anisotropic surface texture can be formed in a surface of one or more magnetic layers of the shield, or can be formed in a surface of an under-layer on which the shield is deposited. The shield could also be constructed as a lamination of magnetic layers separated by non-magnetic layers, with the anisotropic surface texture being formed on one or more of the non-magnetic layers.

Abstract: Provided is a thin-film magnetic head having an MR element in which the tolerance of external magnetic field is improved even under the condition that shields have smaller areas. The head comprises: an MR element comprising lower and upper shield layers provided so as to sandwich an MR multilayer, one edges of the layers reaching a head end surface on an ABS side; and an electromagnetic transducer comprising main and auxiliary magnetic pole layers, one edges of the layers reaching the head end surface, wherein at least one laminate shield layer for tolerating external magnetic field is provided adjacently on one side or on both sides in a track width direction of at least one layer out of the upper and lower shield layers and the auxiliary magnetic pole layer, and one edge of the at least one laminate shield layer reaching the head end surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to prevent a reduction in the bias magnetic field of a current perpendicular to the plane-type (CPP-type) magnetoresistive effect head, thus suppressing a reduction in read output. According to one embodiment, a CPP-type magnetoresistive effect film is formed on top of a lower magnetic shield. A refill insulation film and a magnetic domain control layer are formed on both sides of an intermediate layer and a free layer of the CPP-type magnetoresistive effect film. A side wall protection film is formed on a side wall of the refill insulation film and on top of the free layer so as to define the height of the magnetic domain control layer. To increase the film thickness of the magnetic domain control layer, the magnetic domain control layer and the refill insulation film are higher than the top surface of the free layer.

Abstract: A current perpendicular to plane magneto-resistance effect element includes: a magneto-resistance effect film comprised of a fixed magnetization layer, a free magnetization layer, and a complex spacer layer including an insulating layer and current paths formed through the insulating layer; a biasing mechanism for stabilizing the free magnetization layer; a shielding mechanism for ensuring a reproducing resolution of the magneto-resistance effect element; and a pair of electrodes for flowing a current perpendicular to a film surface of the magneto-resistance effect element; wherein a resistance area product (RA:?×?m2) is set to 0.00062×?{square root over ((GAP))}×TW+0.06 when a track width of the magneto-resistance effect element is defined as TW (nm) and a gap length of the magneto-resistance effect element is defined as GAP (nm).

Abstract: A magnetic write head for data recording having a magnetic write pole with a stepped magnetic shell structure that defines a secondary flare point. The secondary flare point defined by the magnetic shell portion can be more tightly controlled with respect to its distance from the air bearing surface (ABS) of the write head than can a traditional flare point that is photolithographically on the main pole structure. This allows the effective flare point of the write head to be moved much closer to the ABS than would otherwise be possible using currently available tooling and photolithography techniques. The write head may also include a magnetic trailing shield that wraps around the main pole portion.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording that is resistant to write pole and trailing shield protrusion. The write pole includes a magnetic return pole that is magnetically connected with the trailing shield, the return pole being resistant to deformation or recession such as from mechanically abrasive slider cleaning operations such as soda blast.

Abstract: A magnetic reader of the present invention comprises an MR sensor shielded by a magnetic shield including single domain soft magnetic materials. The domain wall free magnetic shield includes an unbiased soft magnetic layer and a biased soft magnetic layer separated by a non-magnetic layer. The easy axis of the biased layer is oriented to create a path for magnetic flux through the biased and unbiased layers thereby reducing the demagnetization field of the shield. A biasing layer maintains the first and second magnetic layers as single domain magnets. The biasing layer is further shaped to define a quiet zone where the biasing layer does not overlay the MR sensor.

Abstract: An input operation device, wherein a manual operation element (401) is shielded by an element shielding member (411) normally openably supported by a member pivoting mechanism (412) and energized to a shielding position by a shielding energizing mechanism (416). In this state, when the element shielding member (411) is displaced to an open position, the manual operation element (401) is opened to get ready for operation. The element shielding member (411) displaced to the open position is temporarily held by a temporary holding mechanism (424), and opened after a specified time is passed. Accordingly, the manual operation element (401) can be operated with a finger used for displacing the element shielding member (411) from the shielding position to the open position.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a magnetic sensor layer and upper and lower read shields sandwiching the magnetic sensor layer. At least one of the upper and lower read shields includes at least one end portion having a plurality of portions isolated in a core width direction of the magnetic sensor layer. The portions are isolated at least on an air bearing surface side. In this manner, edge noise can be suppressed even if external magnetic field noise or radio noise acts on the upper read shield, the lower read shield, the trailing shield, or the return yoke.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic head for recording information on a recording medium comprises a magnetic pole layer having an end face to be facing the recording medium; an auxiliary magnetic pole layer magnetically connected to the magnetic pole; and a shield layer for shielding the magnetic pole layer from an external magnetic field, the shield layer having a first surface to be facing the recording medium, a second surface to be facing the recording medium adjacent to the first surface, and a third surface adjacent to the second surface, the first surface and the second surface forming an acute external angle, the first surface and the third surface forming an obtuse external angle.

Abstract: A first shielding layer and a second shielding layer are disposed by a given distance. An MR film is disposed in between the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer. The first gap film is formed on the MR film with commensurate to the surface configuration thereof. Magnetic domain controlling films are disposed at both sides of the MR film, respectively. Electrode layers are formed on the magnetic domain controlling layers, respectively. One of the second gap layers is located between the MR film; the magnetic domain controlling layers and the first shielding layer, and the other is located between the first gap layer; the electrode layer and the second shielding layer.

Abstract: Provided is a thin-film magnetic head having a heating element in which excessive increase in temperature is suppressed corresponding to smaller area of the shield layers of the MR effect element. The thin-film magnetic head comprises: an electromagnetic coil element; an MR effect element having two shield layers sandwiching an MR effect multilayer; and a heating element having a heating layer provided at least between the electromagnetic coil element and the MR effect element, and further in the head, at least a portion of a run-off portion of the heating layer running off the shield layer closer to the heating layer than the other shield layer has a resistance per unit length smaller than a resistance per unit length of the other portions than the portion running off the shield layer.

Abstract: CPP magnetic read head designs have been improved by increasing the length of the AFM layer relative to that of both the free and spacer layers. The length of the pinned layer is also increased, but by a lesser amount, an abutting conductive layer being inserted to fill the remaining space over the AFM layer. The extended pinned layer increases the probability of spin interaction while the added conducting layer serves to divert sensor current away from the bottom magnetic shield which now is no longer needed for use as a lead.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to reduce etching damage at end parts of a magnetoresistive sensor in ion beam etching. According to one embodiment, ion beam etching (IBE) is used in a magnetoresistive sensor track width forming step. This IBE irradiates Ar ion beam to a substrate in a state that the substrate is inclined and further rotates the substrate about its normal as a rotational axis. In a conventional track width forming step, the IBE irradiates the Ar ion beam to the substrate all the time while the IBE is rotating the substrate. By contrast, the IBE according to embodiments of the present invention irradiates the Ar ion beam to the substrate only in a predetermined specific angular range.

Abstract: A read sensor is disposed near a main pole, thereby reducing the distance between the read sensor and a write sensor. In this case, however, a magnetic field generated from the main pole affects magnetization of a free layer and a pinned layer of a magnetoresistive film, thereby causing the magnetizing directions to rotate, a magnetic barrier to be generated, and the read property to be degraded. According to the present invention, a main pole and a yoke configure a magnetic circuit together with a sub-pole and a soft magnetic under layer of the magnetic disk and an exciting coil magnetizes the magnetic circuit, thereby a recording magnetic field is applied to a recording layer to record information bits on the layer. And in order to sharpen the magnetic field distribution generated by the main pole, a trailing shield made of a ferromagnetic material is disposed at the trailing side of the main pole adjacently.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to efficiently apply a longitudinal biasing with appropriate strength from a longitudinal biasing layer to a free layer even in a small read gap length. According to one embodiment, in the track width direction of the magnetoresistive film, the longitudinal biasing layer excluding its portion close to the magnetoresistive film is made approximately uniform in thickness. An edge toward the magnetoresistive film of the longitudinal biasing layer is positioned more outwardly in the track width direction than an edge in the track width direction of the free layer. A portion closest to the substrate of the interface between the longitudinal biasing layer and the insulator on the track-width sides is positioned lower than the interface between the magnetoresistive film and the lower magnetic shield layer.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head having an array of reader/writer pairs formed on a common substrate, each reader/writer pair being configured in a piggyback configuration such that the writer and reader of each pair are aligned in a direction parallel to a relative direction of media travel thereover. Each reader comprises a first shield, a second shield, a sensor positioned between the shields, and leads coupled to the sensor. Each writer comprises a first pole and a second pole. A charge clamp circuit electrically couples at least one of the reader shields to at least one of the leads. An electrical conductor operatively electrically couples the at least one of the shields to at least one of the poles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a read head sensor for a magnetic disk drive is presented. The method includes providing a layered wafer stack to be shaped, where the layered wafer stack includes a free layer, a barrier layer and a pinned layer. A single- or multi-layered photoresist mask is formed upon the layered wafer stack to be shaped. A material removal source is provided and used to perform a partial depth material removal within a partial depth material removal range which extends from the free layer to within the pinned layer to a partial depth material removal endpoint. In various embodiments, this depth endpoint lies at or within the barrier layer or within but not through the pinned layer.

Abstract: A CPP thin-film magnetic head includes a bottom shield layer; a top shield layer, the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer being disposed at a predetermined interval; a thin-film magnetic head element between the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer; an insulating layer behind the thin-film magnetic head element in the height direction and disposed between the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer; and a metal layer in the insulating layer, the top shield layer including a first top shield sublayer on the thin-film magnetic head element; and a second top shield sublayer behind the first top shield sublayer in the height direction, the second top shield sublayer and the bottom shield layer being conductively connected through the metal layer, wherein a current flows in the direction orthogonal to a surface of a layer constituting the thin-film magnetic head element.

Abstract: A transducing head has a main pole and at least one magnetic element (such as a return pole or a shield) which provides a potential return path for a magnetic field produced by the main pole. The magnetic element is spaced from the main pole. The magnetic element has a first edge closest to the main pole and a second edge furthest from the main pole. Permeability of the magnetic element increases from the first edge to the second edge.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first magnetic shield, a second magnetic shield, and a sensor. The first magnetic shield forms at least a portion of the first electrode. The second magnetic shield includes a first region that forms at least a portion of the first electrode and a second region that forms at least a portion of the second electrode. The sensor is positioned between the first and second magnetic shields and is electrically connected in series between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device comprises: a first shield layer and a second shield layer disposed with a space from each other in the direction of thickness; an MR element disposed between the first and second shield layers; and a layered structure disposed between the first and second shield layers on both sides of the MR element. The layered structure includes an insulating layer and bias field applying layers. The second shield layer has a surface facing toward the first shield layer. This surface includes a first portion touching the top surface of the MR element and second portions located on both sides of the MR element, the sides being opposed to each other in the direction of track width. A difference in level is created between the first and second portions such that the second portions are closer to the first shield layer than the first portion.

Abstract: In the magnetic thin film, a magnetization direction of a ferromagnetic layer, e.g., a pinned layer, can be securely fixed. The magnetic thin film comprises: an antiferromagnetic layer; and the ferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer is composed of a manganic antiferromagnetic material, and a manganese (Mn) layer is formed between the antiferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention achieve a high linear recording density and a high track recording density to thereby improve the areal recording density in a perpendicular magnetic recording apparatus having a magnetic head that includes a trailing shield and side shields around a main magnetic pole piece.

Abstract: A read/write head for magnetic tapes configured with an in situ radio frequency (RF) shield is provided. The RF shield of the invention inhibits device elements reading data from reading RF radiation irradiated by other device elements writing data. The RF shield may be situated between the device elements of one module and the device elements of a second module. The dimensions and materials of the RF shield may be selected depending upon the operating frequencies of the head and skin depth of materials comprising the RF shield. The data cable may be bonded to device element pads of a module using ACF bonding. AFC bonding the cable to the module may allow a metal ground plane on the cable to be extended to provide additional RF shielding.

Abstract: This invention describes a manufacturable method, including a CMP liftoff process, for removing masking materials after ion milling for fabricating the write pole of a magnetic head. Significant parameters for the CMP assisted liftoff process include the thickness of the remaining mask materials after the write pole ion milling for effective CMP assisted liftoff, the thickness of the dielectric fill material deposited to protect the write pole during the CMP liftoff step, and the type of CMP slurry, polishing pad and the polishing conditions that are required to yield satisfactory results.

Abstract: A magnetic writer includes a first write element and a second write element. The first write element produces a first field when a first current is passed through a first coil. The second write element, which is disposed relative to the first write element, produces a second field when a second current is passed through a second coil such that the second field at least partially opposes the first field.

Abstract: A read head and a magnetic hard disk drive having a read head layer stack which has been partially milled to within a partial milling range to form a shaped junction and a hard bias layer which is in contact with the shaped junction of the wafer stack.

Abstract: An inductive write head has its write poles and write gap oriented to generate magnetic fields in the cross-track direction on a magnetic recording disk in a disk drive. The disk has the magnetizations in the concentric data tracks oriented in the cross-track direction with the concentric data tracks magnetically separated from each other by guard bands. The write head may have an erase pole and an erase gap to generate magnetic fields in an along-the-track direction on the sides of the data tracks, with the along-the-track magnetizations serving as the guard bands.

Abstract: In a perpendicular recording head, a notch is formed in the top write gap at a location on top of the main pole. A perpendicular head with this notched top write gap structure has less transition curvature and better writability while reducing the adjacent track interference (ATI). Also, the process used to fabricate the head ensures that the trailing edge (writing edge) of the main pole is extremely flat with no corner rounding.