Infrared laser pulses of microsecond duration derived from a stabilize
d carbon dioxide laser are used to produce a textured zone on a glass
disk substrate. Each laser pulse can produce a microscopically smooth
dome-shaped bump that protrudes from the initial disk surface. Typical
bump heights of interest are 20-30 nm with bump diameters similar to
10 mu m. The laser-textured zone, composed of similar to 10(5) bumps,
provides a dedicated region for contact start/stop. The zone exhibits
excellent tribological properties (stiction and durability).