Thin-film perpendicular magnetic recording and reproducing head

Abstract

A thin-film magnetic head includes a magnetic member having a principal surface formed with a first groove extending in parallel to a sliding surface adapted to face a magnetic recording medium, a non-magnetic material filling the groove, and at least a thin-film conductor coil, an interlaminar insulating film, a main magnetic-pole film and a protective film formed one upon another. The magnetic member being connected to the main magnetic-pole film though a via hole portion. The head has an exposed laminated surface defining the sliding surface. The magnetic member has also a second groove formed in its principal surface, crossing the first groove at right angles thereto, and filled with a non-magnetic material. The conductor coil and films are formed on the magnetic member immediately above the intersection of the first and second grooves. The non-magnetic material in the second groove is exposed in the sliding surface. The second groove has a width which is smaller than that of the first groove and is slightly larger than that of the main magnetic-pole film adjacent to its end exposed in the sliding surface, and a depth which is at least equal to that of the first groove. The magnetic member is exposed in the sliding surface in the vicinity of the main magnetic-pole film adjacent to its exposed end.