Write head before read head constructed merged magnetic head with track

Abstract

The present invention provides a merged magnetic head and method of making wherein a write portion of the magnetic head is constructed before the read head portion and the first pole tip of the write head defines the track width and zero throat height of the magnetic head. During construction, each insulation layer of an insulation stack is planarized with components of a partially completed first pole piece, thereby promoting highly effective construction of one or more coil layers and the first pole tip of the write head. The insulation stack is recessed with respect to the top surface of the first pole tip so that the insulation stack has substantially no impact on photoresist patterning of the first pole tip. Insulation layers of the stack extend into the field beyond side edges of the first pole piece layer so as to provide planar support for the one or more coil layers. The second pole piece/first shield layer is constructed on a flat surface followed by a first read gap layer, read sensor, first and second lead layers, a second read gap layer and a second shield layer, which are all planar. The lowering of the insulation stack with respect to the top surface of the first pole tip causes the write gap to be closer to the read gap so as to minimize misregistration of the read and write heads when they are located over an outer track on a magnetic disk.