An apparatus illustratively includes a return pole (RP) and a shield. The RP has a first RP magnetic layer, a second RP magnetic layer, and a RP non-magnetic layer. The RP non-magnetic layer separates and magnetically decouples the RP first and second magnetic layers. The shield has a first shield magnetic layer, a second shield magnetic layer, and a shield non-magnetic layer. The shield non-magnetic layer separates and magnetically decouples the shield first and second magnetic layers. A method illustratively includes generating magnetic flux and collecting the magnetic flux through an inner magnetic shell.