Read head with multiple contacts formed underneath the sensor

A read head, comprising:

• a bottom shield comprising a first lead disposed at a media facing surface (MFS);
• a second lead disposed over the bottom shield adjacent to the first lead;
• a third lead disposed over the bottom shield adjacent to the first lead;
• a sensing layer disposed in contact with at least the first lead;
• a free layer disposed over the sensing layer;
• a first side shield disposed adjacent to the free layer;
• a second side shield disposed adjacent to the free layer;
• a rear bias structure disposed adjacent to the sensing layer and the free layer, the rear bias structure being recessed from the MFS;
• one or more insulating layers disposed between the bottom shield and the rear bias structure, the one or more insulating layers being recessed from the MFS by at least the first lead;
• and
• a top shield disposed over the free layer and the first and second side shields.

A read head, comprising:

• a bottom shield;
• a first lead disposed over the bottom shield;
• a second lead disposed adjacent to the first lead;
• a third lead disposed adjacent to the second lead;
• a sensing layer disposed in contact with at least the second lead;
• a free layer disposed over the sensing layer;
• a first conducting layer disposed in contact with the sensing layer and a portion of the first lead;
• a second conducting layer disposed in contact with the sensing layer and a portion of the third lead;
• a first side shield disposed adjacent to the free layer;
• a second side shield disposed adjacent to the free layer;
• and
• a top shield disposed over the free layer and the first and second side shields.