Method for forming the air bearing surface of a slider

1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method for producing magnetic sliders having a permanent protective coating of carbon over the air bearing surface. The method comprises the steps of: (a) depositing a protective coating on a surface of the slider, the protective coating comprising an underlayer of carbon and a top layer selected from silicon and titanium; (b) depositing a photoresist layer onto the protective coating; (c) imagewise exposing the photoresist layer to radiation; (d) developing the image in the photoresist layer to expose the protective coating; (e) transferring the image through the protective layer and into the slider to form the air bearing pattern in the slider; and (f) removing the top layer of the protective coating.