US Patent 7499245 Magnetic head slider having stepped surfaces

On a disk-facing surface of a magnetic head slider, rail surfaces that are at the same height as a magnetic device surface and raised leading surfaces connect the magnetic device surface to the raised leading surfaces. Moreover, a central step surface at a level lower than the magnetic device surface and higher than a recessed area extends from an area between the raised leading surfaces to an area between the rail surfaces. Therefore, even if the amount of Air intake is reduced due to atmospheric pressure changes or the like, air can be efficiently guided to the magnetic device surface and thus, the flying position of the magnetic head slider can be stabilized.