Several embodiments of a sense current perpendicular to the planes of the
sensor (CPP) and flux guide type of read head has a gap between first and second
shield layers at an air bearing surface (ABS) where the flux guide is located which
is less than a gap between the first and second shield layers at a recessed location
where the sensor is located. This reduced gap increases the linear bit density
capability of the read head. A longitudinal bias stack (LBS) is located in the
sensor stack. Several unique methods of construction are described for forming
the magnetic head assemblies.
