A magnetic head of the present application has a sensor which employs the
extraordinary magnetoresistance (EMR) effect. The magnetic head includes
a body of semiconductor material positioned over a tail end of a carrying
mechanism; a field receiving surface of the body oriented perpendicular
to a sensing plane of the magnetic head; an electrically conducting shunt
coupled to a first end of the body; a plurality of electrically
conducting contacts coupled to a second end of the body opposite the
first end; and a magnetic flux guide having a first end at least
partially formed over the field receiving surface and a second end
exposed at the sensing plane. Advantageously, the magnetic flux guide
orients a signal field of recorded data from a magnetic medium in a
suitable direction for the field receiving surface, at least partially
shields the field receiving surface magnetically, and allows for
positioning of the magnetic head on the tail end of the carrying
mechanism. Preferably, the slider over which the body is formed is made
from a material of similar crystal structure, but higher electrical
resistance, as the material of the body. In this way, the body may be
grown epitaxially from the slider and be integrally formed therewith.