HIGH DENSITY THIN FILM COUPLED ELEMENT READ HEAD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

摘要

A reproducing element for use in a high density coupled element read head, and a method for manufacturing such an element are provided. The reproducing element includes an insulative layer (14) and a magnetoresistive layer (16) in contact with the insulative layer (14). The reproducing element also includes a support layer (24) in contact with the magnetoresistive layer (16), the support layer (24) having a hardness sufficient to substantially prevent damage to the magnetoresistive layer (16) during mechanical processing and during movement of a tape across a surface of the reproducing element.