Magnetoresistive effect composite head with configured pole tip

Abstract

A magnetoresistive effect composite head includes a read magnetoresistive effect (MR) head and a recording inductive (ID) head. The MR head has first and second magnetic shield films and an MR element. The first and second magnetic shield films are formed on a slider main body in a stacked manner through a predetermined gap therebetween. Each of the first and second magnetic shield films has an end face flush with a slider floating surface. The MR element is formed between the first and second magnetic shield films through magnetic isolation layers each made of an insulator. The ID head has a first magnetic pole film, a coil, and a second magnetic pole film. The first magnetic pole film serves also as the second magnetic shield film. The coil and the second magnetic pole film are formed through an insulator on the first magnetic pole film on a surface opposite to the MR element through a predetermined magnetic gap. The second magnetic pole film has a projecting portion that defines a track width. The projecting portion has a distal end face substantially flush with the slider floating surface. A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive effect head is also disclosed.