Compact MR write structure

A magnetic data storage and retrieval system, comprising:

• a) a read/write head, including
• a substrate including a conductive shield layer defining a plane;
• an insulating write gap layer at least partially covering said conductive shield layer;
• a self-aligned array comprising a conductive pole pedestal and a coil, said coil comprising a plurality of winds, said pole pedestal and said coil contacting said write gap layer, wherein a separation between said pole pedestal and a first of said winds of said coil is no greater than about 2.0 microns;
• a conductive pole layer disposed over said coil and contacting said pole pedestal, wherein said conductive pole layer including a portion disposed over said coil and said pole tip portion contacting said pole pedestal defines a plane which is substantially parallel to said plane of said conductive shield layer;
• a MR read element disposed within said substrate;
• b) a magnetic medium;
• and
• c) a medium support capable of supporting said magnetic medium and moving said magnetic medium in relation to said read/write head.

A magnetic write structure comprising:

• a conductive shield defining a plane;
• an insulating write gap layer at least partly covering said conductive shield layer;
• a self-aligned array comprising a conductive pole pedestal and a coil, said pole pedestal and said coil being disposed over said write gap layer, said coil comprising a plurality of winds, said pole pedestal and said coil contacting said write gap layer, said pole pedestal and a first of said winds of said coil having a separation therebetween no greater than about 2.0 microns;
• and
• a conductive pole comprising a pole tip portion, a portion situated over said coil, and a portion situated over said separation between said pole pedestal and said coil, wherein a slope of said conductive pole portion over said separation is less than about 10°.

A compact MR read/write head comprising:

• a substrate including a conductive shield layer defining a plane;
• an insulating write gap layer at least partly covering said conductive shield layer;
• a self-aligned array comprising a conductive pole pedestal and a coil comprising a plurality of winds, said pole pedestal and said coil being disposed over and contacting said write gap layer;
• a pole pedestal insulator situated in a separation between said pole pedestal and a wind nearest said pole pedestal;
• and
• a conductive pole comprising a pole tip portion, a portion situated over said coil, and a portion situated over said pole pedestal insulator, and a portion over the pole pedestal, wherein a slope of said conductive pole portion over said pole pedestal insulator is less than about 10°.