Semiconductor/metal read sensor for magnetic recording

A method of detecting a magnetic field stored upon magnetically-encodable material, the method comprising:

• (a) bringing a region of the magnetically-encodable material in proximity to a semiconductor mass with at least one conductive region embedded therein;
• (b) generating an electrical current through the semiconductor mass, the current flowing in a direction approximately parallel to the magnetically-encodable material;
• (c) magnetically biasing the semiconductor mass with a magnetic field originating from a source other than the magnetically-encodable disc, the magnetic field being approximately perpendicular to the magnetically-encodable material;
• and
• (d) detecting a change in resistance to current flowing through the semiconductor mass with the embedded conductive region, the change in resistance indicating magnitude and direction of the magnetic field stored upon the magnetically-encodable material.

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor/metal read head, comprising steps of:

• (a) providing a ceramic wafer;
• (b) disposing a first conductive shield upon the ceramic wafer;
• (c) depositing an alternating set of layers of semiconductor material and conductive material, wherein the alternating set of layers has a semiconductor layer as a first layer and a semiconductor layer as a final layer;
• (d) applying a first photoresistive mask atop the final semiconductor layer;
• (e) etching away unmasked regions of the alternating semiconductor and conductor layers, until the first conductive shield is reached;
• (f) removing the first photoresistive mask;
• (g) depositing a semiconductor material atop the structure remaining after the etching process;
• (h) applying a second photoresistive mask atop the region formerly masked by the first mask;
• (i) depositing a layer of insulating material;
• (j) removing the second mask;
• and
• (k) disposing a second conductive shield atop the insulating material and atop the region formerly covered by the second mask.