Abstract:
The embodiments disclose a method of protecting patterned magnetic materials of a stack, including depositing a thin continuous film of an inert material that is inert to the magnetic materials of a patterned stack upon which the thin continuous film is being deposited and forming a thin interim interface layer from the thin continuous film to protect top and sidewall areas of non-etched higher relief magnetic islands and magnetic film etched surfaces of the patterned stack from air exposure damage and damage from contact with backfilled materials.