TMR reader without DLC capping structure

A TMR reader, comprising:

• a first shield layer having a first portion and a second portion;
• a sensor structure disposed over the first portion of the first shield layer and having a top surface and sidewalls;
• an insulating layer disposed over the second portion of the first shield layer and the sidewalls;
• a hard bias layer disposed over the insulating layer;
• a hard bias capping structure disposed over the hard bias layer, the hard bias capping structure is free of diamond like carbon, wherein the hard bias capping structure selected from the group consisting of:
• a first multiple layer structure comprising a tantalum layer formed on the hard bias layer and an iridium layer formed on the tantalum layer;
• a second multiple layer structure comprising an iridium layer formed on the hard bias layer and a layer of either tantalum or chromium or ruthenium formed on the iridium layer;
• a third multiple layer structure comprising a rhodium layer formed on the hard bias layer and a layer of either tantalum or chromium or ruthenium formed on the rhodium layer;
• and
• an iridium layer formed on the hard bias layer;
• and
• a second shield layer over the sensor structure and the hard bias capping structure.