Method for fabricating a magnetic recording transducer

A method for fabricating a magnetic transducer having an underlayer and a first nonmagnetic layer residing on the underlayer, the method comprising:

• providing a first trench in the first nonmagnetic layer, the first trench having at least one edge corresponding to at least one side shield;
• providing a stop layer in the first trench;
• providing a second nonmagnetic layer in the trench after the stop layer is provided, the second nonmagnetic layer residing on the portion of the stop layer;
• providing a second trench in the second nonmagnetic layer, the second trench having a bottom not lower than the stop layer;
• providing a main pole, at least a portion of the main pole residing in the second trench;
• removing at least a portion of the second nonmagnetic layer residing between the at least one edge and the main pole, the stop layer preventing removal of the first nonmagnetic layer;
• providing a side shield mask, the side shield mask extending from at least a coil front location distal from an air-bearing surface (ABS) location;
• depositing a planarization stop layer;
• depositing a side shield material after the planarization stop layer is deposited;
• planarizing the magnetic recording transducer to form the at least one side shield;
• and
• removing an exposed portion of the planarization stop layer after the step of planarizing the magnetic recording transducer.