A current perpendicular to plane (CPP) having hard magnetic bias layers
located at the back of the sensor, opposite the air bearing surface. The
bias layer is magnetostatically coupled with the free layer to bias the
free layer in a desired direction parallel with the ABS. First and second
magnetic shield layers may be provided at either lateral side of the
sensor to provide exceptional track width definition. The placement of
the bias layer at the back of the sensor makes possible the addition of
magnetic shields at the sides of the sensor.