Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yen-Po Liu, Sofie Yngman, Andrea Troian, Giulio D'Acunto, Adam Jonsson, Johannes Svensson, Anders Mikkelsen, Lars-Erik Wernersson, Rainer Timm
Summary: GaSb, with its high hole-mobility, is a promising material for high-speed p-channels in electronic devices. However, the thick native oxide of GaSb causes detrimental interface defects that are difficult to remove. In this study, we successfully remove the oxide from GaSb surfaces using hydrogen plasma cleaning, and find that this method is more efficient for cleaning GaSb nanowires compared to planar substrates. Furthermore, the hydrogen plasma cleaning is used as a pre-treatment in a realistic fabrication situation, showing its potential for improving the control of oxide-and defect-free interfaces in GaSb-based electronics.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. J. McCabe, M. Arul Kumar, W. Liu, C. N. Tome, L. Capolungo
Summary: Deformation twinning significantly influences the evolution of microstructure and mechanical response in hexagonal close packed (hcp) metals. Local stresses were found to have an impact on twin thickening, especially in low MSF twins in high-purity Ti. The study highlights the importance of stress concentrations on both twin nucleation and growth processes in hcp metals.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. -S. Park, A. C. Chuang, J. Okasinski, H. Chen, P. Shade, T. J. Turner, S. Stock, J. Almer
Summary: This paper describes a new residual strain mapping program at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. Based on energy dispersive x-ray diffraction, the program is capable of accurately measuring the residual strain field of engineering alloys with high spatial and strain resolution, while providing a complementary view of the structure for a better understanding of the measured strain field.
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
(2022)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Youhong Peng, Kesong Miao, Wei Sun, Chenglu Liu, Hao Wu, Lin Geng, Guohua Fan
Summary: Characterizing the microstructure and deformation mechanism of metallic materials is crucial for understanding the microstructure-property relationship. Advanced synchrotron radiation facilities have enabled non-destructive visualization of full-field structural information in three dimensions, contributing to significant progress in recent decades. Future innovations in next-generation synchrotron radiation and emerging technologies hold great potential for further advancements in material characterization.
ACTA METALLURGICA SINICA-ENGLISH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. King, N. Guignot, L. Henry, G. Morard, A. Clark, Y. Le Godec, J-P Itie
Summary: Combined angular and energy dispersive diffraction is well suited for experiments at high pressures and the study of liquid or amorphous systems, with optimized acquisition strategy leading to reduced measurement time and radiation dose. The correction and reduction protocol provides normalized scattering profiles suitable for analysis of pair distribution function or liquid structure.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Irina Jin, Julian Strobel, Ulrich Schuermann, Vladimir Ciobanu, Veaceslav Ursaki, Leonid Gorceac, Boris Cinic, Cameliu Himcinschi, Rainer Adelung, Lorenz Kienle, Ion Tiginyanu
Summary: The self-catalyzed growth of InP nanowires on an aerographite substrate using high growth rate hydride vapor-phase epitaxy technology is demonstrated. The nanowires had aspect ratios higher than 200 and diameters of 0.2-2 μm. They were constant in diameter over their length, except for a well-faceted hexagonal tapered end. The growth process allows for the formation of self-catalyzed nanowires compatible with integrated circuit technology. Single-wire InP photodetectors with predominant sensitivity in the infrared spectral range have been prepared and characterized.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huelya Biger, Ahmed Degnah, Emin Salur, Lyas Svkliyildiz, Thomas Tsakalakos, E. Koray Akdogan
Summary: In this study, the changes in unit cell volume, Bragg peak full width at half maximum (FWHM), and integrated intensity were monitored in 8 % Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (8 %YSZ) solid state electrolyte during a triple-flash sintering experiment. The results showed spontaneous singularities at different temperatures under applied field intensity, which were associated with current draw and density increase. The observations contribute to understanding the flash sintering process.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Fengcheng Tang, Zhibin Wu, Chao Yang, Markus Osenberg, Andre Hilger, Kang Dong, Henning Markoetter, Ingo Manke, Fu Sun, Libao Chen, Guanglei Cui
Summary: The synchrotron X-ray tomography technique is crucial for understanding the evolving electrode materials in 3D states during battery operation. Its applications in battery research have been growing, providing valuable insights and potential for future studies. Understanding the principles, applications, and future opportunities of this technique is essential for advancing the field of rechargeable battery research.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lei Pan, Indra Raj Pandey, Antonino Miceli, Vladislav V. Klepov, Duck Young Chung, Mercouri G. Kanatzidis
Summary: A perovskite CsPbBr3 single-crystal detector capable of operating at high X-ray fluxes is reported. The detector shows good performance in terms of gamma-ray energy resolution, dark current, photocurrent linearity, and reproducibility at different X-ray energy levels. It is anticipated that CsPbBr3 detectors will have wide application in high-flux X-ray detection.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
G. Utica, E. Fabbrica, M. Carminati, G. Borghi, N. Zorzi, F. Ficorella, A. Picciotto, I Allegretta, G. Falkenberg, C. Fiorini
Summary: This paper introduces the design guidelines of the ARDESIA-16 X-ray spectrometer and the characterization results under laboratory conditions and synchrotron light.
JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seongwook Choi, Eun-Yeong Park, Sinyoung Park, Jong Hyun Kim, Chulhong Kim
Summary: X-ray induced acoustic imaging (XAI) is a emerging biomedical imaging technique that visualizes X-ray absorption contrast at ultrasound resolution with lower ionizing radiation exposure. The first feasible synchrotron XAI (sXAI) shows promising results in obtaining two-dimensional images of various lead targets, and may complement conventional synchrotron applications.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yunhui Chen, Samuel J. Clark, David M. Collins, Sebastian Marussi, Simon A. Hunt, Danielle M. Fenech, Thomas Connolley, Robert C. Atwood, Oxana Magdysyuk, Gavin J. Baxter, Martyn A. Jones, Chu Lun Alex Leung, Peter D. Lee
Summary: The study revealed the governing mechanistic behaviour and microstructural evolution during Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (DED-AM) using unique imaging and diffraction techniques, enhancing the understanding of solidification process and stress development in the alloy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiguo Zhang, Chuangnan Wang, Billy Koe, Christian M. Schleputz, Sarah Irvine, Jiawei Mi
Summary: High speed synchrotron X-ray imaging and ultrafast tomography were used to study the fragmentation and growth dynamics of dendritic microstructures in an Al-15%Cu alloy under ultrasound. The results showed that efficient dendrite fragmentation occurred due to the acoustic flow, with thermal perturbation remelting plus mechanical fracture and separation being the dominant mechanism, while acoustic flow fatigue impact and phase collision effects played a minor role. Ultrasound application in the early solidification stage for just 10 s led to a significant increase in dendrite fragment number.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shane Q. Arlington, Tobias Neuhauser, Markus Short, Karsten Woll, David A. LaVan, Gregory M. Fritz, Timothy P. Weihs
Summary: Reactive nanolaminates are energetic materials with heterogeneous microstructures that undergo self-propagating exothermic reactions to form stable compounds. This study investigates the phase formation in Al/Zr/C reactive nanolaminates under different heating rates using nanocalorimetry, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and ex situ analyses. The results reveal that high heating rates or quenching from high temperatures are required to produce the desired ZrC + Al cermet phases.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ziyan Lv, Rukang Li
Summary: In this study, a tantalum phosphate crystal Na11Ta8P7O43 with a moderate second harmonic response was synthesized using self-fluxes method. The crystal was found to have unique structural features and moderate nonlinear effects. It exhibits phase-matchable second harmonic generation, a shorter cutoff edge than known materials LiTaO3 and KTiOPO4, and high transmittance in the visible to near infrared band, suggesting its potential as a nonlinear optical crystal.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Begona Abad, Kirstin Alberi, Katherine E. Ayers, Sushmee Badhulika, Chunmei Ban, Helene Bea, Fanny Beron, Julie Cairney, Jane P. Chang, Christine Charles, Mariadriana Creatore, Hui Dong, Jia Du, Renate Egan, Karin Everschor-Sitte, Cathy Foley, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Myung-Hwa Jung, Hyunjung Kim, Sarah Kurtz, Jieun Lee, Diana C. Leitao, Kristina Lemmer, Amy C. Marschilok, Bogdana Mitu, Bonna K. Newman, Roisin Owens, Anna-Maria Pappa, Youngah Park, Michelle Peckham, Liane M. Rossi, Sang-Hee Shim, Saima Afroz Siddiqui, Ji-Won Son, Sabina Spiga, Sedina Tsikata, Elisa Vianello, Karen Wilson, Hiromi Yuasa, Ilaria Zardo, Iryna Zenyuk, Yanfeng Zhang, Yudi Zhao
Summary: Women have made significant contributions to applied physics research and their involvement is crucial for ongoing progress. The Roadmap on Women in Applied Physics, written by female scientists and engineers, aims to celebrate their achievements, showcase established and early career researchers expanding boundaries in their fields, and increase visibility of women's impact on applied physics research. The topics covered include plasma materials processing and propulsion, super-resolution microscopy, bioelectronics, spintronics, superconducting quantum interference device technology, quantum materials, 2D materials, catalysis and surface science, fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics, neuromorphic computing and devices, nanophotonics and nanophononics, and nanomagnetism. The intention is to inspire more women to enter these fields and foster inclusivity within the scientific community.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
R. D. Gonzalez Betancourt, J. Zubac, R. Gonzalez-Hernandez, K. Geishendorf, Z. Soban, G. Springholz, K. Olejnik, L. Smejkal, J. Sinova, T. Jungwirth, S. T. B. Goennenwein, A. Thomas, H. Reichlova, J. Zelezny, D. Kriegner
Summary: A spontaneous anomalous Hall signal was observed in an epitaxial film of MnTe, a semiconductor with collinear antiparallel magnetic ordering and zero net magnetization, even in the absence of an external magnetic field. The anomalous Hall effect originates from the unconventional phase with strong time-reversal symmetry breaking and alternating spin polarization. The anisotropic crystal environment of Mn atoms, caused by nonmagnetic Te atoms, plays a vital role in establishing the unconventional phase and generating the anomalous Hall effect.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heera Menon, Hossein Jeddi, Nicholas Paul Morgan, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Hakan Pettersson, Mattias Borg
Summary: Monolithic integration of InSb on Si was achieved by fabricating InSb metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors directly on Si using a rapid melt growth process. The photodetectors exhibited a spectrally resolved photocurrent peak from a single crystalline InSb nanostructure with dimensions of 500 nm x 1.1 μm x 120 nm. Optical characterization revealed stable photoresponse under 1550 nm illumination, with a responsivity of 0.50 A W-1 at 16 nW illumination and a millisecond time constant. Electron backscatter diffraction spectroscopy showed occasional twin defects and crystal lattice twist in the single crystalline InSb nanostructures, causing a low-energy tail in the detector response, extending the photosensitivity to 10 μm wavelengths (0.12 eV) at 77 K.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Santhanu Panikar Ramanandan, Andrea Giunto, Elias Z. Stutz, Benoit Reynier, Ileane Tiphaine Francoise Marie Lefevre, Marin Rusu, Susan Schorr, Thomas Unold, Anna Morral, Jose A. Marquez, Mirjana Dimitrievska
Summary: This work explores the synthesis of BaZrS3 from Ba-Zr-O oxide precursor films sulfurized at temperatures ranging from 700 degrees C to 1000 degrees C. The diffusion of sulfur species in the film is identified as the rate-limiting step of this reaction. The processing temperature plays a significant role in determining the conversion from oxide to sulfide phase. BaZrS3 demonstrates a unique ability to accommodate non-stoichiometric compositions, unlike other chalcogenides.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dima Sadek, Antoine Jay, Jihan El Hila, Quentin Gravelier, Alexandre Arnoult, Remi Demoulin, Filadelfo Cristiano, Sebastien Plissard, Anne Hemeryck
Summary: The integration of Bi1-xSbx topological insulator on GaAs was studied experimentally and theoretically on (001) and (111)A surfaces. Different growth modes were observed, with Volmer Weber for GaAs(001) and Stranski-Krastanov for GaAs (111)A. First principles calculations supported these observations, showing that Bi atoms on the (001) surface diffuse more easily and form isolated islands, promoting a 3D growth. On the (111)A surface, Bi atoms diffuse less and prefer to bond directly with GaAs, leading to the formation of a wetting layer before a further Stranski-Krastanov growth.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas Morgan, Vladimir G. Dubrovskii, Ann-Kristin Stief, Didem Dede, Marie Sangle-Ferriere, Alok Rudra, Valerio Piazza, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral
Summary: This paper investigates the growth mechanisms and shape evolution of GaAs nanoridges on GaAs(100) substrates using selective area MOVPE. The growth process consists of three distinct stages, with the first stage showing step-flow growth behavior, the second stage forming {101} side facets while the (100) flat top facet shrinks, and the third stage involving overgrowth onto the mask with a reduced growth rate. A kinetic model is developed to accurately describe the width-dependent evolution of the nanoridge morphology in all three stages.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sudipta Chakraborty, Dipanjan Banerjee, Andreas C. Scheinost, Jean-Marc Greneche, Fabienne Favre, Antoine Gehin, Laurent Charlet
Summary: The reactivity of Fe(II) sorbed on different types of clay towards U(VI) reduction was investigated. U(VI) reduction only occurred on Fe-free synthetic montmorillonite (MONT), and a hydrated uranyl silicate (soddyite)-like phase was formed. The lack of reactivity on Fe-poor natural montmorillonite (Fe-MONT) and Fe-rich natural nontronite (NAu-2) is likely due to inter-valence charge transfer (IVCT) between surface Fe(II) and structural Fe(III). This study highlights the dependence of clay sorbed Fe2+ reactivity on the nature of clay and the oxidation state of sorbed Fe.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Enrico Bianchetti, Augusto F. Oliveira, Andreas C. Scheinost, Cristiana Di Valentin, Gotthard Seifert
Summary: This study investigates the chemistry of TcVIIO4- and TcIV species at the Fe3O4(001) surface using a hybrid DFT functional (HSE06) method. The results indicate that the interaction between TcVIIO4- and the magnetite surface leads to the formation of reduced TcVI species without any change in the Tc coordination sphere. Additionally, several model structures for the immobilized TcIV final products are explored, showing that TcIV can be incorporated into a subsurface octahedral site or adsorbed on the surface as TcIVO2 center dot xH2O chains.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Eva Schmoranzerova, Jozef Kimak, Richard Schlitz, Sebastian T. B. Goennenwein, Dominik Kriegner, Helena Reichlova, Zbynek Soban, Gerhard Jakob, Er-Jia Guo, Mathias Klaeui, Markus Muenzenberg, Petr Nemec, Tomas Ostatnicky
Summary: All-optical ferromagnetic resonance (AO-FMR) is used to detect micromagnetic parameters in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films with a metallic capping layer (Au, Pt) by triggering magnetization precession through heating of the metallic layer with femtosecond laser pulses. The laser-induced precession corresponds to a uniform (Kittel) magnon mode, allowing for the measurement of local magnetic properties with a resolution determined by the laser spot size.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rajrupa Paul, Vanessa Conti, Mahdi Zamani, Simon Escobar-Steinvall, Hector Sanchez-Martin, Carlotta Gastaldi, Mihai Adrian Ionescu, Ignacio Iniquez-de-la-Torre, Mirjana Dimitrievska, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Valerio Piazza
Summary: This study reports the electrical properties of Zn3P2 thin films with different crystallinity grown on InP substrates, and correlates the crystalline quality and composition to the electrical properties. Capacitance-voltage measurements and secondary ion mass spectroscopy demonstrate the direct correlation between the carrier concentration and the Zn/P ratio. The highest hole mobility value (125 cm2/Vs) was obtained from high-quality single crystalline Zn3P2 thin films. Additionally, the electrical characteristics of the heterojunction between the thin film and the substrate were illustrated. This work sheds light on the electrical properties and conduction mechanism, thus providing a better understanding of the limitations and potentials of the electrical devices related to the material.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ismaila Kounta, Helena Reichlova, Dominik Kriegner, Rafael Lopes Seeger, Antonin Bad'ura, Miina Leiviska, Amine Boussadi, Vasile Heresanu, Sylvain Bertaina, Matthieu Petit, Eva Schmoranzerova, Libor Smejkal, Jairo Sinova, Tomas Jungwirth, Vincent Baltz, Sebastian T. B. Goennenwein, Lisa Michez
Summary: Some magnetically ordered phases of the Mn5Si3 crystal are being studied as prototypes for new fundamental spin physics related to the breaking of time-reversal symmetry. Epitaxial Mn5Si3 thin films were grown on Si(111) using Mn and Si codeposition in a molecular beam epitaxy system with carefully controlled deposition rates, growth temperature, and annealing temperature. The formation and morphology of the silicide phase were assessed using various techniques. High-quality crystalline Mn5Si3 thin films were successfully formed under restrictive conditions, and the magnetic and magnetotransport properties were used to track the crystallinity and proportion of Mn5Si3 in the deposited layers.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunyi Huang, Didem Dede, Nicholas Morgan, Valerio Piazza, Xiaobing Hu, Anna Morral, Lincoln J. Lauhon
Summary: Selective area epitaxy is a promising method for defining nanowire networks in topological quantum computing. A strategy to promote Si dopant incorporation and suppress dopant diffusion in remote doped InGaAs nanowires templated by GaAs nanomembrane networks is reported. The growth of a dilute AlGaAs layer after doping the GaAs nanomembrane leads to the incorporation of Si, enabling precise control of the spacing between the Si donors and the undoped InGaAs channel; a simple model captures the influence of Al on the Si incorporation rate. Finite element modeling confirms the presence of high electron density in the channel.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Antonia Hager, Lucas Gueniat, Nicholas Morgan, Santhanu Panikar Ramanandan, Alok Rudra, Valerio Piazza, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Didem Dede
Summary: Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) in horizontal configuration can be used for scalable NW-based devices. Selective area epitaxy (SAE) through precise nanopatterning on growth masks enables bottom-up large-scale manufacturing of these nanostructures. Electron beam lithography offers high accuracy but is economically impractical for large-scale production. Nanoimprint lithography (NIL), on the other hand, is a more cost-effective alternative with the potential to significantly reduce fabrication time. In this study, we compare thermal and UV NIL for patterning substrates for SAE and find that UV NIL is superior in patterning sub-100 nm mask features at the wafer scale.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Giunto, Louise E. Webb, Thomas Hagger, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral
Summary: GeSn is a promising group-IV semiconductor material for on-chip Si photonics devices and high-mobility transistors. In this work, the potential utilization of indium (In) as a p-type dopant in GeSn is explored. The study reveals that In acts as a surfactant during the epitaxial growth of GeSn, leading to Sn segregation and affecting the material's local composition. The work provides insights on the limitations and discourages the use of in situ In doping of GeSn in optoelectronic devices.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Morteza Aghaee, Arun Akkala, Zulfi Alam, Rizwan Ali, Alejandro Alcaraz Ramirez, Mariusz Andrzejczuk, Andrey E. Antipov, Pavel Aseev, Mikhail Astafev, Bela Bauer, Jonathan Becker, Srini Boddapati, Frenk Boekhout, Jouri Bommer, Tom Bosma, Leo Bourdet, Samuel Boutin, Philippe Caroff, Lucas Casparis, Maja Cassidy, Sohail Chatoor, Anna Wulf Christensen, Noah Clay, William S. Cole, Fabiano Corsetti, Ajuan Cui, Paschalis Dalampiras, Anand Dokania, Gijs de Lange, Michiel de Moor, Juan Carlos Estrada Saldana, Saeed Fallahi, Zahra Heidarnia Fathabad, John Gamble, Geoff Gardner, Deshan Govender, Flavio Griggio, Ruben Grigoryan, Sergei Gronin, Jan Gukelberger, Esben Bork Hansen, Sebastian Heedt, Jesus Herranz Zamorano, Samantha Ho, Ulrik Laurens Holgaard, Henrik Ingerslev, Linda Johansson, Jeffrey Jones, Ray Kallaher, Farhad Karimi, Torsten Karzig, Cameron King, Maren Elisabeth Kloster, Christina Knapp, Dariusz Kocon, Jonne Koski, Pasi Kostamo, Peter Krogstrup, Mahesh Kumar, Tom Laeven, Thorvald Larsen, Kongyi Li, Tyler Lindemann, Julie Love, Roman Lutchyn, Morten Hannibal Madsen, Michael Manfra, Signe Markussen, Esteban Martinez, Robert McNeil, Elvedin Memisevic, Trevor Morgan, Andrew Mullally, Chetan Nayak, Jens Nielsen, William Hvidtfelt Padkaer Nielsen, Bas Nijholt, Anne Nurmohamed, Eoin OFarrell, Keita Otani, Sebastian Pauka, Karl Petersson, Luca Petit, Dmitry I. Pikulin, Frank Preiss, Marina Quintero-Perez, Mohana Rajpalke, Katrine Rasmussen, Davydas Razmadze, Outi Reentila, David Reilly, Richard Rouse, Ivan Sadovskyy, Lauri Sainiemi, Sydney Schreppler, Vadim Sidorkin, Amrita Singh, Shilpi Singh, Sarat Sinha, Patrick Sohr, Tomas Stankevic, Lieuwe Stek, Henri Suominen, Judith Suter, Vicky Svidenko, Sam Teicher, Mine Temuerhan, Nivetha Thiyagarajah, Raj Tholapi, Mason Thomas, Emily Toomey, Shivendra Upadhyay, Ivan Urban, Saulius Vaitiekenas, Kevin Van Hoogdalem, David Van Woerkom, Dmitrii V. Viazmitinov, Dominik Vogel, Steven Waddy, John Watson, Joseph Weston, Georg W. Winkler, Chung Kai Yang, Sean Yau, Daniel Yi, Emrah Yucelen, Alex Webster, Ruichen Zhao
Summary: In this study, measurements and simulations of semiconductor-superconductor heterostructure devices were conducted to observe topological superconductivity and Majorana zero modes. The devices were optimized to ensure robustness against nonuniformity and disorder. Experimental results indicate the presence of a topological superconducting phase, which is a prerequisite for experiments involving Majorana zero modes fusion and braiding.