Read head with spin valve sensor having sense current in plane (CIP) thence sense current perpendicular to plane (CPP)

• US 6,538,856 B1
• Filed: 06/21/2000
• Issued: 03/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands BV (Western Digital Corporation)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Gill, Hardayal Singh
• Primary Examiner(s): Korzuch, William
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dolan, Jennifer M
• Application Number:
  US09/599,054
• Time in Patent Office: 1,007 Days
• Field of Search: 360/317, 360/319, 360/324.1, 360/322, 360/324.12, 360/324.2
• US Class Current: 360/319
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 10/00 Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/3903 using magnetic thin film layers or their effects, the films being part of integrated structures
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/3967 Composite structural arrangements of transducers, e.g. inductive write and magnetoresistive read G11B5/3906 takes precedence

Abstract

A first lead is connected to an edge of a free layer of a spin valve sensor for conducting a sense current parallel to the planes of its film surfaces after which the sense current is conducted perpendicular to the planes of the film surfaces of the remainder of the layers of the spin valve sensor to a second lead layer which may be a first shield layer of the read head. The conduction of the sense current parallel to the film surfaces of the free layer provides the spin valve sensor with sufficient resistance so as to enable processing circuitry to efficiently produce playback signals.

Claims

1. A magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto; and

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

2. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

3. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 1 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

4. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

5. A magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

6. A magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

7. A magnetic head assembly comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto; and

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

8. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 7 including a nonmagnetic isolation layer located between the second shield layer and the first pole piece layer.

9. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

10. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 7 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

11. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

12. A magnetic head assembly comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel;

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

13. A magnetic head assembly comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

14. A magnetic disk drive including at least one magnetic head assembly that includes a write head and a read head, the read head including a spin valve sensor, comprising:

the write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

the read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto; and

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

a housing;

a magnetic disk rotatably supported in the housing;

a support mounted in the housing for supporting the magnetic head assembly with said ABS facing the magnetic disk so that the magnetic head assembly is in a transducing relationship with the magnetic disk;

a spindle motor for rotating the magnetic disk;

an actuator positioning means connected to the support for moving the magnetic head to multiple positions with respect to said magnetic disk; and

a processor connected to the magnetic head, to the spindle motor and to the actuator for exchanging signals with the magnetic head, for controlling movement of the magnetic disk and for controlling the position of the magnetic head.

15. A magnetic disk drive as claimed in claim 14 including a nonmagnetic isolation layer located between the second shield layer and the first pole piece layer.

16. A magnetic disk drive as claimed in claim 14 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

17. A magnetic disk drive as claimed in claim 14 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

18. A magnetic disk drive as claimed in claim 17 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

19. A magnetic disk drive including at least one magnetic head assembly that includes a write head and a read head, the read head including a spin valve sensor, comprising:

the write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

the read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure;

a housing;

a magnetic disk rotatably supported in the housing;

a support mounted in the housing for supporting the magnetic head assembly with said ABS facing the magnetic disk so that the magnetic head assembly is in a transducing relationship with the magnetic disk;

a spindle motor for rotating the magnetic disk;

an actuator positioning means connected to the support for moving the magnetic head to multiple positions with respect to said magnetic disk; and

a processor connected to the magnetic head, to the spindle motor and to the actuator for exchanging signals with the magnetic head, for controlling movement of the magnetic disk and for controlling the position of the magnetic head.

20. A magnetic disk drive including at least one magnetic head assembly that includes a write head and a read head, the read head including a spin valve sensor, comprising:

the write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

the read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

the front edge of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure;

a housing;

a magnetic disk rotatably supported in the housing;

a support mounted in the housing for supporting the magnetic head assembly with said ABS facing the magnetic disk so that the magnetic head assembly is in a transducing relationship with the magnetic disk;

a spindle motor for rotating the magnetic disk;

an actuator positioning means connected to the support for moving the magnetic head to multiple positions with respect to said magnetic disk; and

a processor connected to the magnetic head, to the spindle motor and to the actuator for exchanging signals with the magnetic head, for controlling movement of the magnetic disk and for controlling the position of the magnetic head.

21. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure; and

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

22. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 21 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

23. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 21 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

24. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 23 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

25. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the pinned layer structure being formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of;

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer being formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

26. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has an air bearing surface (ABS), comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of;

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer being formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

27. A method of making a magnetic head assembly comprising the steps of:

making a write head as follows;

forming ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

forming a nonmagnetic write gap layer between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

forming an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

connecting the first and second pole piece layers at their back gap portions; and

making a read head as follows;

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure; and

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

28. A method of making a magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 27 including forming a nonmagnetic isolation layer between the second shield layer and the first pole piece layer.

29. A method of making a magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

30. A method of making a magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 27 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

31. A method of making a magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 30 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

32. A method of making a magnetic head assembly comprising the steps of:

making a write head as follows;

forming ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

forming a nonmagnetic write gap layer between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

forming an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

connecting the first and second pole piece layers at their back gap portions; and

making a read head as follows;

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the pinned layer structure being formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of;

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer being formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

33. A method of making a magnetic head assembly comprising the steps of:

making a write head as follows;

forming ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

forming a nonmagnetic write gap layer between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

forming an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

connecting the first and second pole piece layers at their back gap portions; and

making a read head as follows;

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the ABS than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges and with the front edge of the first lead layer directly connected to the back edge of the free layer structure;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of;

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer being formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

34. A magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces completely bounded by front and back edge surfaces and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front and back edge surfaces are parallel to the head surface with the front edge surface being located at or closer to the head surface than the back edge surface;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge surface and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front edge surface of the first lead layer is parallel to the head surface;

the front edge surface of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge surface of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto; and

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

35. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 34 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

36. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 35 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

37. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 36 wherein a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

38. A magnetic head assembly, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure,

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces completely bounded by front and back edge surfaces and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front and back edge surfaces are parallel to the head surface with the front edge surface being located at or closer to the head surface than the back edge surface;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge surface and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front edge surface of the first lead layer is parallel to the head surface;

the front edge surface of the first lead layer being directly connected to the back edge surface of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto; and

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

39. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 38 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that oriented parallel to the head surface and the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

40. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 39 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

41. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

42. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces completely bounded by front and back edge surfaces and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front and back edge surfaces are parallel to the head surface with the front edge surface being located at or closer to the head surface than the back edge surface;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer located between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge surface and first and second side edge surfaces wherein the front edge surface of the first lead layer is parallel to the head surface; and

wherein the front edge surface of the first lead layer is directly connected to the back edge surface of the free layer structure for electrical connection thereto and

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer.

43. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 42 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

44. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 43 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

45. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 44 wherein the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer are formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

46. A magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer means located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer means and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer; and

the front edge of the first lead layer means being electrically connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means.

47. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 46 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

48. A magnetic read head as claimed in claim 47 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

49. A magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer means located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer means and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the front edge of the first lead layer means being electrically connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

50. A magnetic head assembly, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer means located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer means and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer; and

the front edge of the first lead layer means being electrically connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means.

51. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 50 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

52. A magnetic head assembly as claimed in claim 51 wherein the pinned layer structure is an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes:

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

53. A magnetic head assembly, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising:

a write head including;

ferromagnetic first and second pole piece layers that have a yoke portion located between a pole tip portion and a back gap portion;

a nonmagnetic write gap layer located between the pole tip portions of the first and second pole piece layers;

an insulation stack with at least one coil layer embedded therein located between the yoke portions of the first and second pole piece layers; and

the first and second pole piece layers being connected at their back gap portions; and

a read head including;

a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure having a magnetic moment;

an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer located between the free and pinned layers;

ferromagnetic first and second shield layers;

the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure being located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers having top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

first and second insulation layers located between the first and second shield layers;

a first lead layer means located between the first and second insulation layers and having top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the first and second shield layers being a second lead layer means and having one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

the front edge of the first lead layer means being electrically connected to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being an antiparallel pinned layer structure which includes;

ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure being counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.

54. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer means between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer means and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer; and

forming the front edge of the first lead layer means by electrically connecting it to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means.

55. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 54 including:

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure.

56. A method of making a magnetic read head as claimed in claim 55 wherein the pinned layer structure is formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of:

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel.

57. A method of making a magnetic read head, which has a head surface for facing a moving magnetic medium, comprising the steps of:

forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure which has a magnetic moment;

forming an antiferromagnetic pinning layer exchange coupled to the pinned layer structure for pinning the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a predetermined direction;

forming a ferromagnetic free layer structure;

forming a nonmagnetic conductive spacer layer between the free and pinned layers;

forming ferromagnetic first and second shield layers with the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer and the free layer structure located between the first and second shield layers;

each of the pinned layer structure, the pinning layer, the spacer layer, the free layer structure and the first and second shield layers being formed with top and bottom film surfaces bounded by front and back edges and first and second side edges wherein the front edges are located at or closer to the head surface than the back edges;

forming first and second insulation layers between the first and second shield layers;

forming a first lead layer means between the first and second insulation layers with top and bottom film surfaces bounded in part by a front edge and first and second side edges;

one of the shield layers being a second lead layer means and being formed with one of its first and second film surfaces electrically connected to one of the first and second film surfaces of the pinning layer;

forming the front edge of the first lead layer means by electrically connecting it to the back edge of the free layer structure for conducting a current through the free layer structure perpendicular to the head surface and through the spacer, pinned and pinning layers parallel to the head surface to said second lead layer means;

each of the first lead layer and the free layer structure being formed closer to the first shield layer than the second shield layer so that the first and second shield layers exert a net image current field on the free layer structure that is oriented parallel to the head surface and parallel to the first and second film surfaces of the free layer structure for stabilizing magnetic domains of the free layer structure;

the pinned layer structure being formed as an antiparallel pinned layer structure comprising the steps of;

forming ferromagnetic first and second AP pinned films wherein each AP pinned film has a magnetic moment; and

forming an AP coupling film between the first and second AP pinned films which permits the magnetic moments of the AP pinned films to be antiparallel; and

the pinned layer structure and the spacer layer being formed so that a net demagnetizing field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure is counterbalanced by a ferromagnetic coupling field from the pinned layer structure on the free layer structure.