Seagate Technology has been granted a patent for a method involving the formation of a near-field transducer. The process includes creating a metal seed layer on a dielectric substrate, forming a peg of noble metal, and applying a thin alumina adhesive layer followed by a silicon dioxide overcoat. GlobalData’s report on Seagate Technology gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Seagate Technology, Artificial concrete aggregates was a key innovation area identified from patents. Seagate Technology's grant share as of June 2024 was 71%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Near-field transducer with alumina adhesive layer and overcoat
The patent US12027190B1 outlines a method for fabricating a near-field transducer on a dielectric substrate, which involves several key steps. Initially, a metal seed layer, potentially made of noble metals such as Rhodium (Rh) or Iridium (Ir), is formed on the substrate. A peg of the near-field transducer is then created on this metal seed layer, ensuring that its first surface is in contact with the seed. Following this, an adhesive layer composed of alumina, with a thickness of 4 nm or less, is deposited on the peg's second surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This adhesive layer is crucial as it bonds a silicon dioxide overcoat to the peg, enhancing the structural integrity of the transducer.
The method further includes optional steps to improve adhesion and cleanliness. For instance, the adhesive layer can be cleaned with a non-reactive plasma, utilizing gases such as Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), or Xenon (Xe). The deposition of the adhesive layer involves a sequence of applying trimethylaluminum (TMA) followed by an oxidant, which can be water or hydrogen peroxide, to achieve the desired thickness. The patent also describes variations where a refractive seed or dopant can be used instead of a metal seed layer, maintaining the same fundamental process. Overall, the claims detail a precise method for enhancing the performance and reliability of near-field transducers through advanced material deposition techniques.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Seagate Technology, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
