Patent ID: 6163436
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A thin film magnetic head comprising:a first magnetic layer having a pole portion;a second magnetic layer having a pole portion with a width that defines a width of a record track;an air bearing surface formed in part by an end face of the pole portion of the first magnetic layer and an end face of the pole portion of the second magnetic layer;a third magnetic layer contacting the second magnetic layer on a side opposite the first magnetic layer, the third magnetic layer being magnetically coupled to the first magnetic layer at a rear position separated from the air bearing surface;a gap layer of a non-magnetic material inserted between the pole portion of the first magnetic layer and the pole portion of the second magnetic layer;a thin film coil having a portion supported between the first magnetic layer and the second and third magnetic layers, the thin film coil being isolated by an insulating layer, the insulating layer forming a coplanar surface with the second magnetic layer, the thin film coil being formed on the coplanar surface of the insulating layer; anda base substrate supporting the first, second and third magnetic layers, the gap layer, the insulating layer and the thin film coil;wherein the second magnetic layer extends to a region beyond the pole portion of the first magnetic layer and against a face of the insulating layer, the third magnetic layer touching the second magnetic layer at the extended region on the side opposite the first magnetic layer.