The present disclosure provides a magnetic recording head for a data storage system having improved write field characteristics. In one example, an apparatus having magnetic properties is provided. The apparatus includes a pole, a shield, and a multilayer block positioned between the pole and the shield. The multilayer block includes a plurality of layers wherein at least one of the plurality of layers comprises a magnetic material. In one embodiment, the multilayer block provides an antiferromagnetic coupling between the pole and the shield such that a magnetization of the pole is in a first direction and a magnetization of the shield in a second direction that is substantially anti-parallel to the first direction.