Multi-reader method and apparatus

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-reader can be manufactured so as to be able to read from multiple regions of a storage device contemporaneously during operation. Such a device can be configured, for example, by forming a first wall; forming a second wall; and utilizing the first wall and the second wall to form two adjacent reader stacks

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 ) An apparatus comprising:
 a first reader stack;   a second reader stack disposed within no more than about 100 nanometers of the first reader stack.   
     
     
         14 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 a symmetrical junction between the first reader stack and the second reader stack. 
 
     
     
         15 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 a clear valley disposed between the first reader stack and the second reader stack. 
 
     
     
         16 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 at least one divided shield wherein a first portion of the divided shield is in electrical contact with the first reader stack and a second portion of the divided shield is in electrical contact with the second reader stack and wherein the first portion of the divided shield and second portion of the divided shield are separated by an electrical insulator. 
 
     
     
         17 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the first reader stack and the second reader stack are configured from a common layer. 
     
     
         18 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 electrical isolation material disposed between the first reader stack and the second reader stack. 
 
     
     
         19 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 shielding material disposed above the first reader stack and the second reader stack; 
 shielding material disposed below the first reader stack and the second reader stack; 
 electrical isolation material disposed to the side of at least one of the first reader stack and the second reader stack. 
 
     
     
         20 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  and further comprising:
 shielding material disposed above the first reader stack and the second reader stack; 
 shielding material disposed below the first reader stack and the second reader stack; 
 electrical isolation material disposed between the first reader stack and the second reader stack. 
 
     
     
         21 ) An apparatus comprising:
 a first reader stack;   a second reader stack disposed within no more than about 100 nanometers of the first reader stack along an axis running through both the first reader stack and the second reader stack.   
     
     
         22 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the first reader stack and the second reader stack are configured to read from different tracks contemporaneously. 
     
     
         23 ) The apparatus as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the first reader stack and the second reader stack are configured to read from a single track contemporaneously.