Method of making a write head before read head constructed merged magnetic head with track width and zero throat height defined by first pole tip

A method of making a merged magnetic head that has an air bearing surface (ABS) and read and write head portions, the write head portion having pole tip, yoke and back gap regions comprising:

• making the write head as follows:
• forming first and second pole pieces, the first pole piece having a first pole tip and the second pole piece having a second pole tip;
• forming a gap layer;
• separating the pole tips by the gap layer in the pole tip region and connecting the first and second pole pieces in the back gap region;
• forming an insulation stack with a plurality of insulation layers;
• embedding at least one write coil layer in the insulation stack;
• locating the insulation stack between the first and second pole pieces in the yoke region;
• and
• making the first pole tip with a width at the ABS that defines a track width of the write head portion;
• making the read head portion as follows:
• forming a first shield layer which is a common layer with said second pole piece;
• forming first and second read gap layers on the first shield layer;
• locating a read sensor between the first and second gap layers;
• and
• forming a second shield layer on the second read gap layer.