Magnetic write head having a self aligned, steep shoulder pole structure and method of manufacture thereof

A magnetic write head for use in magnetic data recording, the write head comprising:

• a first magnetic pole structure;
• a second magnetic pole structure (P2);
• and
• a non-magnetic write gap sandwiched between the first magnetic pole structure and the second magnetic pole structure (P2);
• and
• wherein the first magnetic pole structure includes first and second steep shoulders, and a narrow vertical notch portion extending from the top of the first and second steep shoulders;
• wherein the write head has an air bearing surface ABS, the write head further comprising laterally extending wing portions formed in the first pole structure, the laterally extending wing portions being recessed from the ABS;
• and
• further comprising an ion mill resistant bump formed over the first pole structure in the region of the laterally extending wing portions.