Side Shielded TMR Reader With Track-Width-Reduction Scheme

A track width reduction and an area resistance (RA) reduction scheme are presented to meet the requirement of the reader for ultrahigh density recording. The side reading effect worsens the performance of the track-width-gradient-reduction design even if a side-shield layer is applied due to the overlap between the backend and the side-shield. However, the side-reading effect can be significantly suppressed in the long-height design after the introduction of the side-shield. Using the long-height sensor design, the RA, the track width and the signal level may meet the requirement of reader for ultra-high density recording. The back flux-guide design can further improve the sensitivity of the tunneling magneto resistance (TMR) sensor