Method of making a high resolution lead to shield short-resistant read

Abstract

An MR read head has first and second lead layers protected by first, second and third insulation layers in addition to the first and second insulative gap layers substantially all the way from the side edges of an MR sensor to terminals. The first and second insulation layers do not extend outside of the first and second lead layer sites so that greater heat dissipation can be realized from the MR sensor. Each lead layer comprises first and second lead layer films. Where these films overlap for electrical connection their top and bottom surfaces are protected by the first and second insulation layers and their edges are protected by the third insulation layer. Where the first lead layer film extends from the second lead layer film toward the respective terminal its bottom surface is protected by the first insulation layer and its top surface and its side edges are protected by the third insulation layer. Only three masks are required for fabricating or constructing these components. The first liftoff mask is employed for defining the first insulation layer and the first lead layer film. The second liftoff mask is employed for depositing the second lead layer film on the first lead layer film with an end of the second lead layer film for defining the track width of the MR sensor and making a contiguous junction with a respective side edge of the MR sensor and then depositing a second insulation layer on the second lead layer film. A third liftoff mask is employed for masking the MR sensor site and the second lead layer film of the first and second lead layers so that the height of the MR sensor can be defined and the third insulation layer deposited.