Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to magnetoresistive sensors and corresponding fabrication methods for magnetoresistive sensors. One example of a magnetoresistive sensor includes a layer stack, wherein the layer stack includes a reference layer having a fixed reference magnetization, wherein the fixed reference magnetization has a first magnetic orientation. The layer stack furthermore includes a magnetically free system of a plurality of layers, wherein the magnetically free system has a magnetically free magnetization, wherein the magnetically free magnetization is variable in the presence of an external magnetic field, and wherein the magnetically free magnetization has a second magnetic orientation in a ground state. The magnetically free system has two ferromagnetic layers and an interlayer, wherein the interlayer is arranged between the two ferromagnetic layers and includes magnesium oxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device comprising a first seed layer, a first spin hall effect (SHE) layer, a first interlayer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second seed layer, a second SHE layer, a second free layer, and a second interlayer. The gap layer is disposed between the first SHE layer and the second SHE layer. The materials and dimensions used for the first and second seed layers, the first and second interlayers, and the first and second SHE layers affect the resulting spin hall voltage converted from spin current injected from the first free layer and the second free layer, as well as the ability to tune the first and second SHE layers. Moreover, the SOT differential reader improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device that comprises a first shield, a first spin hall effect layer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second spin hall effect layer, a second free layer, and a second shield. The gap layer is disposed between the first spin hall effect layer and the second spin hall effect layer. Electrical lead connections are located about the first spin hall effect layer, the second spin hall effect layer, the gap layer, the first shield, and/or the second shield. The electrical lead connections facilitate the flow of current and/or voltage from a negative lead to a positive lead. The positioning of the electrical lead connections and the positioning of the SOT differential layers improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to spin-orbital torque (SOT) differential reader designs. The SOT differential reader is a multi-terminal device comprising a first seed layer, a first spin hall effect (SHE) layer, a first interlayer, a first free layer, a gap layer, a second seed layer, a second SHE layer, a second free layer, and a second interlayer. The gap layer is disposed between the first SHE layer and the second SHE layer. The materials and dimensions used for the first and second seed layers, the first and second interlayers, and the first and second SHE layers affect the resulting spin hall voltage converted from spin current injected from the first free layer and the second free layer, as well as the ability to tune the first and second SHE layers. Moreover, the SOT differential reader improves reader resolution without decreasing the shield-to-shield spacing (i.e., read-gap).

Abstract: A Spin Hall Effect (SHE) assisted magnetic recording device is disclosed wherein a SHE layer comprising a giant Spin Hall Angle material is formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and trailing shield (TS) bottom surface. The SHE layer may contact one or both of the MP and TS, and has a front side at the air bearing surface (ABS) or recessed therefrom. A first current (I1) is applied between the MP trailing side and SHE layer and is spin polarized to generate a first spin transfer torque that tilts a local MP magnetization to a direction that enhances a MP write field. A second current (I2) is applied between the SHE layer and TS and is spin polarized to generate a second spin transfer torque that tilts a local TS magnetization to a direction that increases the TS return field and improves bit error rate.

Abstract: A data reader may have a magnetoresistive stack consisting of at least magnetically free and magnetically fixed structures. The magnetically fixed structure can be set to a first magnetization direction by a first pinning structure separated from an air bearing surface by a front shield portion of a magnetic shield. The front shield portion may be set to a different second magnetization direction by a second pinning structure.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a storage layer and a heating assistance element. The heating assistance element is adjacent to the storage layer or doped into the storage layer. The heating assistance element is configured to enhance spatial confinement of energy from a field to an area of the storage layer to which the field is applied.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes an underlayer, a first nonmagnetic spacer layer above the underlayer, a free layer above the first nonmagnetic spacer layer, a second nonmagnetic spacer layer above the free layer, and a cap layer above the second nonmagnetic spacer layer. At least one of the cap layer and the underlayer comprises a soft ferromagnetic material and a high spin orbit coupling material. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A plasmon-generator of the invention is configured to include a first configuration member including a near-field light generating end surface; and a second configuration member joined and integrated with the first configuration member and not including the near-field light generating end surface. The first configuration member is configured to contain Au as a primary component and to contain any one or more elements selected from a group of Co, Fe, Sb, Nb, Zr, Ti, Hf, and Ta, and is configured so that a content percentage X1 of the contained element is within a range between 0.2 at % or more and 2.0 at % or less. Thereby, thermostability, optical characteristic, and the process stability are satisfied. Also, heat dissipation and heat generation suppression effect are extremely superior.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein allow a signal detected by a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor to be improved by providing for a region of reduced anisotropy within a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) shield. The SAF shield includes first and second layers of ferromagnetic material separated by a coupling spacer layer. A distance between the first and second layers of ferromagnetic material is greater in a region proximal to the sensor stack than in a region away from the sensor stack.

Abstract: A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a discontinuous metal layer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic read head with pinned layers extending to the ABS of the read head and in contact with an antiferromagnetic layer that is recessed in relation to the ABS of the read head. The recessed antiferromagnetic layer may be disposed above or below the pinned layer structure and provides a pinning field to prevent amplitude flipping in head operation. In these embodiments of the present invention, the read gap of the sensor, that is the distance between the highly permeable, magnetically soft upper and lower shield layers at the ABS, is reduced by the thickness of the antiferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a reference layer having magnetic orientation about aligned with a plane of deposition thereof; a first free layer having a magnetic orientation out of a plane of deposition thereof; a spacer layer between the reference layer and the first free layer; a second free layer having a magnetic orientation out of a plane of deposition thereof; and an inserting layer between the first and second free layers.

Abstract: A method for providing a capping layer configured for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head including at least one slider. The method comprises etching a substrate having a top surface using an etch to form a trench in the substrate, the trench having a first surface at a first angle from the top surface and a second surface having a second angle from the top surface. The method further comprises providing a protective coating exposing the second surface and covering the first surface, removing a portion of the substrate including the second surface to form a laser cavity within the substrate configured to fit a laser therein, and providing a reflective layer on the first surface to form a mirror, the cavity and mirror being configured for alignment of the laser to the laser cavity and to the mirror and for bonding the laser to the laser cavity.

Abstract: A protecting coating for a copper substrate is disclosed. The coating comprises seed layer comprising titanium ions that forms an “alloy-like” structure with the copper substrate. The coating further comprises a first layer of carbon disposed on the seed layer comprising titanium ions. A second layer comprising titanium is disposed on the first layer of carbon, and a second layer of carbon is disposed on the second layer comprising titanium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes masking a sensor stack with a first mask, milling exposed regions of the sensor stack for defining a back edge of the sensor stack, forming a tantalum oxide layer along the back edge, removing the first mask, masking the sensor stack with a second mask, and milling exposed regions of the sensor stack for defining side edges of the sensor stack, a width of the sensor stack in a track width direction being defined between the side edges. In another embodiment a system includes a sensor stack of thin films having a back edge, and a tantalum oxide layer extending along the back edge.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus can be configured that includes a main pole layer of magnetic material; a second layer of magnetic material; a first gap layer of non-magnetic material disposed between the main pole layer and the second layer of magnetic material; a second gap layer of non-magnetic material disposed between the main pole layer and the second layer of magnetic material; and wherein the second gap layer of non-magnetic material is disposed directly adjacent to the second layer of magnetic material. In accordance with one embodiment, this allows the gap to serve as a non-magnetic seed for the second layer of magnetic material. In accordance with one embodiment, this allows the gap to serve as a non-magnetic seed for the second layer of magnetic material. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of manufacturing such a device may also be utilized.

Abstract: A read/write head is disclosed wherein a non-magnetic layer made of a metal is inserted in the read head on a side opposite to the S1 shield with respect to the sensor. The non-magnetic layer is preferably Cu and is recessed from the ABS to prevent corrosion. A preferred design has a 1 to 5 micron thick non-magnetic insertion layer that extends a distance of 3 to 100 microns along a plane that is perpendicular to the ABS. RG efficiency is enhanced significantly and RG gamma ratio is improved to 1.0 so that a smaller difference in RG, WG, and min-fly point can be achieved at touchdown detection and in normal read/write operations. These results lead to an optimal dynamic performance for a given spacing target and enhanced read gap protrusion at a given heater power. S1/S2A thickness can be independently optimized for magnetic performance consideration only.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate for suspension that includes a first structural part including a metal supporting substrate, an insulating layer, a wiring layer, and a cover layer, and a second structural part formed so as to extend continuously from the first structural part and has no metal supporting substrate. A position of an edge of an upper surface of the insulating layer coincides with a position of an edge of the lower surface of the cover layer or the position of the edge of the upper surface of the insulating layer is positioned on a side closer to the wiring layer than to the position of the edge of the lower surface of the cover layer at a boundary region between the first structural part and the second structural part.

Abstract: Various methods for attaching a crystalline write pole onto an amorphous substrate and the resulting structures are described in detail herein. Further, the resulting structure may have a magnetic moment exceeding 2.4 Tesla. Still further, methods for depositing an epitaxial crystalline write pole on a crystalline seed or template material to ensure that the phase of the write pole is consistent with the high moment phase of the template material are also described in detail herein.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer is described. The method and system include providing a magnetic shield, an insertion layer on the magnetic shield, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, a pinned layer magnetically coupled with the AFM layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The magnetic shield has a texture and a grain size. The insertion layer has a thickness that is sufficiently large that the AFM layer is magnetically decoupled from the magnetic shield and sufficiently small that the AFM layer is structurally coupled with the magnetic shield. The pinned layer resides between the AFM layer and the nonmagnetic spacer layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer resides between the free layer and the pinned layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording, and a magnetic disk apparatus capable of preventing data erasure caused by alignment marks. In an embodiment, the magnetic head includes a head element including at least a main pole having a pole face on a flying surface and an auxiliary pole; alignment marks made of a magnetic material and used to detect the amount of lapping work when lapping the pole face of the main pole; and members made of a magnetic material, continuously extending in either direction with respect to the position of the main pole from within the alignment marks outward at least beyond the alignment marks.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a waveguide shaped to direct light to a focal point, and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes a dielectric component and a metallic component positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the dielectric component. An apparatus includes a waveguide shaped to direct light to a focal point, and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes a first metallic component, a first dielectric layer positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the first metallic component, and a second metallic component positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the first dielectric component.

Abstract: Articles that include a magnetic structure; an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer positioned on the magnetic structure, the intermediate layer having a thickness from about 3 ? to about 50 ?, the intermediate layer including a bottom interface layer, the bottom interface layer positioned adjacent the magnetic structure, the bottom interface layer including atoms of a metal bonded to atoms, compounds, or both of the magnetic structure; an interlayer, the interlayer positioned on the bottom interface layer, the interlayer including oxides of the metal; and a top interface layer, the top interface layer positioned adjacent the interlayer, the top interface layer including atoms of the metal, oxides of the metal, or some combination thereof bonded to atoms or compounds of the adjacent overcoat layer; and an overcoat layer, the overcoat layer positioned on the top interface layer of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a stack capable of reading magnetic data bits. Such a stack can have a non-magnetic spacer layer disposed between a magnetically free layer and a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) where the SAF is configured with an anisotropy tuned to a non-normal direction with respect to an air bearing surface (ABS).

Abstract: An apparatus can be generally directed to a magnetic stack having a magnetically free layer positioned on an air bearing surface (ABS). The magnetically free layer can be biased to a predetermined magnetization in various embodiments by a biasing structure that is coupled with the magnetically free layer and positioned distal the ABS.

Abstract: A magnetic structure includes a first magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic insulating layer, a nonmagnetic adhesion layer disposed on the top surfaces of the first magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic insulating layer, and a second magnetic layer disposed on the nonmagnetic adhesion layer. The nonmagnetic insulating layer contains an oxygen atom. The nonmagnetic adhesion layer is composed of one element or a plurality of elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si and nonmagnetic transition metal elements except Ru, and the bond enthalpy of a diatomic molecule composed of an atom of the one element or each of the plurality of elements and an oxygen atom is 400 kJ/mol or higher. The nonmagnetic adhesion layer has a thickness within a range of 0.3 to 0.8 nm. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer are ferromagnetically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic layer that may serve as a top pole layer and bottom pole layer in a magnetic write head is disclosed. The magnetic layer has a composition represented by FeWCoXNiYVZ in which w, x, y, and z are the atomic % of Fe, Co, Ni, and V, respectively, and where w is between about 60 and 85, x is between about 10 and 30, y is between 0 and about 20, z is between about 0.1 and 3, and wherein w+x+y+z=100. An electroplating process having a plating current density of 3 to 30 mA/cm2 is used to deposit the magnetic layer and involves an electrolyte solution with a small amount of VOSO4 which is the V source. The resulting magnetic layer has a magnetic saturation flux density BS greater than 1.9 Telsa and a resistivity ? higher than 70 ?ohms-cm.

Abstract: A hard bias (HB) structure for producing longitudinal bias to stabilize a free layer in an adjacent spin valve is disclosed and includes a composite seed layer made of at least Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (Co/Ni)X laminated layer. The (Co/Ni)X HB layer deposition involves low power and high Ar pressure to avoid damaging Co/Ni interfaces and thereby preserves PMA. A capping layer is formed on the HB layer to protect against etchants in subsequent process steps. After initialization, magnetization direction in the HB layer is perpendicular to the sidewalls of the spin valve and generates an Mrt value that is greater than from an equivalent thickness of CoPt. A non-magnetic metal separation layer may be formed on the capping layer and spin valve to provide an electrical connection between top and bottom shields.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer is described. The method and system include providing a magnetic structural barrier layer and a crystalline magnetic layer on the magnetic structural barrier layer. The magnetic structural barrier layer may reside on a shield. The method and system also include providing a nonmagnetic layer on the crystalline magnetic layer. A pinning layer is provided on the nonmagnetic layer. Similarly, a pinned layer is provided on the pinning layer. The pinning layer is magnetically coupled with the pinned layer. The method and system also include providing a free layer and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the pinned layer and the free layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method may be used to provide a data sensing element capable of detecting changes in magnetic states. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a magnetically responsive lamination of layers and [a] means for generating a high magnetic moment region proximal to an air bearing surface (ABS) and a low magnetic moment region proximal to a hard magnet.

Abstract: A protecting coating for a copper substrate is disclosed. The coating comprises seed layer comprising titanium ions that forms an “alloy-like” structure with the copper substrate. The coating further comprises a first layer of carbon disposed on the seed layer comprising titanium ions. A second layer comprising titanium is disposed on the first layer of carbon, and a second layer of carbon is disposed on the second layer comprising titanium.

Abstract: A spin transport element 1 has a first ferromagnet 12A, a second ferromagnet 12B, a channel 7 extending from the first ferromagnet 12A to the second ferromagnet 12B, a magnetic shield S1 covering the channel 7, and an insulating film provided between the channel 7 and the magnetic shield S1.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to an embodiment includes: a spin-torque oscillator comprising a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, a third ferromagnetic layer provided on the opposite side of the second ferromagnetic layer from the first ferromagnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer, a second nonmagnetic layer provided between the second ferromagnetic layer and the third ferromagnetic layer, a first electrode provided on a surface on the opposite side of the first ferromagnetic layer from the first nonmagnetic layer, and a second electrode provided on a surface on the opposite side of the third ferromagnetic layer from the second nonmagnetic layer. Magnetization precession is induced in each of the first through third ferromagnetic layers when current is applied between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a magnetically responsive lamination that may be constructed with a spacer layer disposed between a first and second ferromagnetic free layer. At least one ferromagnetic free layer can have a coupling sub-layer that enhances magnetoresistance ratio (MR) of the magnetically responsive lamination.

Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a magnetic sensor constructed with a decoupling layer that has a predetermined first morphology. A magnetic free layer can be deposited contactingly adjacent to the decoupling layer with the magnetic free layer configured to have at least a first sub-layer having a predetermined second morphology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the electrical resistivity and corrosion resistance of the material forming a spacer layer in current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. The increased resistivity of the spacer layer, and thus, the CPP-GMR sensor permits a larger voltage across the sensor and a higher signal-to-noise ratio. The increased corrosion resistance of the spacer layer minimizes the effects of exposing the spacer layer to corrosive materials during fabrication. For example, adding tin to silver to form a metallic alloy spacer layer increases the corrosion resistance of the spacer layer and the electrical resisitivity of the CPP-GMR sensor relative to a spacer layer consisting solely of silver. The Ag—Sn alloy permits a larger current to flow through the sensor, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A spin transfer oscillator (STO) structure is disclosed that includes two assist layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) to enable a field generation layer (FGL) to achieve an oscillation state at lower current density for MAMR applications. In one embodiment, the STO is formed between a main pole and write shield and the FGL has a synthetic anti-ferromagnetic structure. The STO configuration may be represented by seed layer/spin injection layer (SIL)/spacer/PMA layer 1/FGL/spacer/PMA layer 2/capping layer. The spacer may be Cu for giant magnetoresistive (GMR) devices or a metal oxide for tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) devices. Alternatively, the FGL is a single ferromagnetic layer and the second PMA assist layer has a synthetic structure including two PMA layers with magnetic moment in opposite directions in a seed layer/SIL/spacer/PMA assist 1/FGL/spacer/PMA assist 2/capping layer configuration. SIL and PMA assist layers are laminates of (CoFe/Ni)x or the like.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor arrangement may be provided. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor including a first spin valve. The first spin valve may include a first free layer structure; a first pinning structure disposed over the first free layer structure; and a first anti-ferromagnetic layer disposed over the first pinning structure. The sensor may further include a second spin valve. The second spin valve may include a second free layer structure; a second pinning structure disposed over the second free layer structure; and a second anti-ferromagnetic layer disposed over the second pinning structure. The sensor may also include a separator structure positioned between the first spin valve and the second spin valve such that the separator structure may be in contact with the first free layer structure and the second free layer structure.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus to manufacture a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head in which a light source unit including a light source and a slider including an optical system are joined. The method comprises steps of: adhering by suction the light source unit with a back holding jig; bringing the light into contact with a slider back surface; applying a load to a load application surface of the light source unit by a loading means to bring a joining surface of the light source unit into conformity with the slider back surface; positioning the light source unit apart from the slider, and then aligning the light source with the optical system; bringing again the light source unit into contact with the slider; and applying a load again to the load application surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a high-moment magnetic material used in a write head deposited on a gap layer that was grown using a nickel-chromium seed layer. The nickel-chromium seed layer provides the correct crystallographic orientation for both the nonmagnetic gap layer and the high-moment magnetic material such that the high-moment magnetic material has soft-magnetic properties and is useful as either a main pole or as shield layer in a write head. Moreover, the nickel-chronium seed layer, which may be exposed on the air bearing surface (ABS) of the write head, has an etch rate similar to other metals found in the ABS, thereby avoiding pole tip protrusion during later processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a read only magnetic information carrier (1b, 1c, 1d) comprising a substrate (2), an information layer (3) and a stabilizing layer (15a, 15b). The information layer (3) comprises a pattern of magnetic bits (4) of magnetic material wherein the pattern of magnetic bits (4) constitutes an array of bit locations. The presence or absence of the magnetic material at a bit location represents a value of the bit location by a magnetic field (5) having a predetermined magnetization direction (6). The stabilizing layer (15a, 15b) is arranged between the substrate (2) and the information layer (3) and comprises hard magnetic material (8, 9) which is magnetically coupled to the magnetic material of the magnetic bit (4). The magnetically coupled hard magnetic material (8, 9) provides the predetermined magnetization direction (6) of the magnetic field (5).

Abstract: A shield for a read element of a magnetic recording head includes a first domain with boundaries remote from the read element and stabilized with a patterned bias element. The patterned bias element comprises a topographical pattern of grooves formed on the shield substrate.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetic sensing element includes a laminate in which an underlayer, a seed layer, an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, an insulating barrier layer, and a free magnetic layer are laminated in order from below. The insulating barrier layer is made of Mg—O. The underlayer is made of Ti, and the seed layer is made of one selected from a group consisting of Ni—Fe—Cr and Ru.

Abstract: A magnetic pole suitable for perpendicular magnetic recording is described. This write pole is symmetrically located relative to its side shields and has at least three additional surfaces that are disposed to lie in planes that are normal to the substrate's top surface.

Abstract: A magnetic head produced at low ambient temperatures that comprise a crystalline alumina layer for increasing the durability of the head is provided. According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for at least one of reading and writing data on to a magnetic data storage media. The magnetic head comprises a substrate, an at least partially crystalline alumina layer formed on the substrate, at least one of a write transducer and a read transducer formed on the substrate, and a surface for engaging the magnetic data storage media. In another embodiment, a method for forming an at least partially crystalline alumina film. The method comprises providing a substrate, and depositing alumina onto the substrate at an ambient temperature to form the at least partially crystalline alumina film.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head includes a trailing surface and a plurality of bonding pads arranged on the trailing surface and in a row adapted for both bonding and testing. Each of the bonding pads has at least one side portion being coated with electrically conductive solder nonwettable coat to prevent short circuit between the adjacent bonding pads. The invention also discloses a head gimbal assembly with the magnetic recording head and a disk drive unit having such head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device includes a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer formed between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, and electrodes allowing a sense current to flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stack including the magnetization pinned layer, the nonmagnetic intermediate layer and the magnetization free layer. At least one of the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer is substantially formed of a binary or ternary alloy represented by the formula FeaCobNic (where a+b+c=100 at %, and a?75 at %, b?75 at %, and c?63 at %), or formed of an alloy having a body-centered cubic crystal structure.

Abstract: A method for defining a perpendicular magnetic head is provided. The method includes forming a portion of the read and write head including depositing a sensor film on a surface only over a region of the read head to form a sensor; depositing a full-film shaping pole layer over the write head; defining a track width of the sensor; patterning a photoresist to define a pole tip of the write head including write track width and flare position, and at the same time to define a back edge of the sensor; removing material of the sensor and pole tip from the areas not covered by the photoresist; completing the fabrication of the write and read head layers; and lapping the write pole concurrently with the sensor to define the flare position of the pole tip and to define a sensor height with accurate positioning of write head flare.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor assembly including first and second shields, and a sensor stack between the first and second shields. The sensor stack includes a seed layer adjacent the first shield, a cap layer adjacent the second shield, and a magnetic sensor between the seed layer and the cap layer, wherein at least one of the seed layer and the cap layer has a synthetic antiferromagnetic structure.