Mechanical fabrication of metal nano-contacts showing conductance quantization under electrochemical potential control

We have mechanically fabricated Ni and Cu nano-constrictions in solution to study their quantized conductance behavior under electrochemical potential control. Conductance quantization was observed at both metals in solution at room temperature for the first time. The conductance of Cu nano-constriction was quantized in units of G0(=2e2/h). A sharp 1G0 peak was observed in the conductance histogram. For Ni, a rather broad peak at 1–1.5G0 was observed in the histogram. The conductance quantization behavior was discussed by comparing previously documented results of nano-constrictions fabricated in air or ultra-high vacuum conditions, with those fabricated in solution.