1. US5956215 - High density thin film coupled element read head with support element to prevent damage to magnetoresistive element

A reproducing element for use in a high density coupled element read head, and a method for manufacturing such an element are provided. The reproducing element includes an insulative layer and a magnetoresistive element in contact with the insulative layer. The reproducing element also includes a support element in contact with the magnetoresistive layer, the support element having a hardness sufficient to substantially prevent damage to the magnetoresistive element during mechanical processing and during movement of a tape across a surface of the magnetoresistive element. The method includes depositing an insulative layer on a substrate, and depositing a magnetoresistive material on the insulative layer, the magnetoresistive material forming a read element. The method also includes depositing a material on the read element, the material forming a support element and having a hardness sufficient to substantially prevent damage to the read element during mechanical processing or during movement of a tape across a surface of the read element.