JUNCTION ISOLATION FOR MAGNETIC READ SENSOR

Embodiments generally relate to a magnetic read sensor and a method for its manufacture. A multi-layer insulating material may be used to cover both the first shield layer and also the sidewalls of the sensor structure in the magnetic read sensor. The first insulating layer of the multi-layer insulating material may be deposited by an ion beam sputtering process in a chamber that does not have any oxygen gas flowing into it so that oxygen diffusion into the sensor structure is reduced or eliminated. Then, a second insulating layer of the multi-layer insulating material may be deposited by atomic layer deposition such that the second insulating layer has a greater quality than the first insulating layer. The higher quality increases the breakdown voltage for the magnetic read sensor. Thus, the magnetic read sensor of the present invention has an effective insulating portion that increases the breakdown voltage without sensor damage.