A method and apparatus for enhancing thermal stability, improving biasing
and reducing damage from electrical surges in self-pinned abutted
junction heads. A first self-pinned layer having a first magnetic
orientation is provided, wherein the first self-pinned layer has a first
end, a second end and central portion. A second self-pinned layer is
formed over only the central portion of the first self-pinned layer and
an interlayer is disposed between the first and second self-pinned
layers. A free layer is formed in a central region over the second
self-pinned layer. First and second hard bias layers are formed over the
first and second ends of the first self-pinned layer respectively, the
first and second hard bias layer abutting the free layer, the first and
second end of the first self-pinned layer extending under the hard bias
layers at the first and second ends.
