A perpendicular magnetic recording head capable of preventing information
erasing without intention at the time of non-recording through making the
magnetic domain structure of a pole layer appropriate is provided. A main
pole layer is formed so as to include a first pole layer portion having a
first width W1 which determines the recording track width of a recording
medium and a length L1, a second pole layer portion having a width which
gradually expands from the first width W1 to a second width W2 larger
than the first width W1 (W2>W1) and a length L2, and a third pole
layer portion having a third width W3 larger than the second width W2
(W3>W2) and a length L3. When the ratio W3/(L1+L2+L3) satisfies a
relationship of W3/(L1+L2+L3).gtoreq.1.0, on the basis of the shape
magnetic anisotropy of the main pole layer, the magnetic domain structure
of the main pole layer is made appropriate so that an unnecessary
magnetic flux is not easily leaked at the time of non-recording.