A process for creating a "distant bump array" surface texture in a magnetic recording disk for reducing stiction and the disk so textured. The texturing process uses a tightly focused diode-pumped Nd:YLF or Nd:YVO.sub.4 or other solid-state laser that is pulsed with a 0.3-90 nanosecond pulse train to produce a plurality of distantly-spaced bumps in the disk surface. The bump creation process is highly controllable, permitting repeated creation of a preselected bump profile such as a smooth dimple or one with a central protrusion useful for low stiction without close spacing or elevated "roughness". Some bump profiles permit texturing of the data-storage region of the disk surface for low stiction without materially affecting magnetic data storage density.